Nationwide — A heart-wrenching tragedy unfolded close to Richmond, Virginia when Danny Sumner, a 37-year-old African American father and his six-year-old son, Donovan, misplaced their lives throughout a father-son fishing journey. The 2, described as inseparable, had spent the afternoon on the Rappahannock River in Spotsylvania County on March 22. Moments after Donovan proudly caught a fish, he fell into the water. Danny, in an act of pure devotion, jumped in to avoid wasting him, however each tragically drowned.
Based on Fox 5 DC, Danny’s spouse, Madeline Sumner, grew involved when her husband and son didn’t return house that night. She contacted the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Workplace at 9:45 p.m. after being unable to achieve Danny, who usually didn’t hear his cellphone whereas fishing. Deputies rapidly responded and located Danny’s automobile and cellphone on the river dock. A dive crew was deployed, and each our bodies have been found within the river. Authorities reported no indicators of foul play and confirmed that Donovan had simply caught a fish earlier than the accident occurred.
The devastating loss left the area people mourning the beloved father and son. Danny was remembered as a faithful husband, a selfless good friend, and a passionate instructor who served because the household’s sole supplier. He was additionally celebrated for his basketball achievements at Paul VI Catholic Excessive Faculty and William & Mary, the place he scored 1,146 factors throughout his faculty profession. A GoFundMe marketing campaign was launched to help Madeline and the couple’s surviving son, Danilo, elevating over $44,000 as of Thursday morning.
Donovan, lovingly nicknamed “Don,” was remembered as a sort, light youngster who lately mastered using his bike with out coaching wheels—a milestone his father had helped him obtain. Madeline shared touching footage of Donovan’s accomplishment, describing her son as following Danny’s footsteps in character and kindness. In a transferring Fb tribute, Madeline honored their bond, writing, “My husband gave no considered saving my son and gave his ALL till the Lord referred to as them each house.”
The group continues to honor Danny and Donovan’s reminiscence. Mates recalled Danny’s humility, religion, and unwavering kindness, whereas the Fredericksburg Grizzlies basketball crew praised his instance each on and off the court docket. A funeral service is scheduled for April 12 at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Triangle, Virginia, adopted by a celebration of life and burial. Within the phrases of Madeline, Danny and Donovan “left in essentially the most honorable approach—attempting to avoid wasting one another.”
