Kentucky man dies after saving grandson from rip current in Florida: 'Outstanding person'

Sheldon Gardner, The Daytona Beach News-Journal
·2 min read
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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. − Friends and family are mourning the loss of Bob Sarver, a 76-year-old Kentucky man who spent his last moments rescuing his grandson in Florida.

Sarver was visiting Daytona Beach with family on June 1 when the child, 10, got caught in a rip current. Sarver died after helping him get to safety, said David Oney, a close friend. The two become close, and Sarver was like the big brother he never had. They took trips with their wives and went to football games at the University of Kentucky.

"He was just such an outstanding person in so many ways," Oney said. "We'll miss him every day."

People posted memories online with his obituary, and a few friends and former colleagues shared their thoughts with The Daytona Beach News-Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network. As a longtime high school guidance counselor and football coach in the Anderson County, Kentucky, school system, Saver − who was retired at the time of his death − spent his time making a difference in the lives of young people. He is survived by his wife, Jenny, son, Rob, and grandson, Rylan.

Jenny and Bob Sarver pose for a photo during a trip to Hawaii in 2015.
Jenny and Bob Sarver pose for a photo during a trip to Hawaii in 2015.

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"We are devastated at the death of Mr. Sarver. He was loved and a dear friend and colleague to so many," Superintendent Sheila Mitchell wrote in an email to The News-Journal. "We hold his precious family dear in our hearts, and they remain in our prayers during this very sad time. We grieve alongside his family."

The visitation drew a big crowd, including some of those whom Sarver had coached and counseled over the years, Oney said.

Sonny Fentress, a former superintendent of Anderson County schools, used to work with Sarver.

"He was a great guy. He was just wonderful working with young people. A high school counselor is very influential in what kids do for the rest of their life," Fentress said.

"He was very much my mentor. I learned a great deal from him," he said.

Bob Sarver and David Oney pose during a visit to a University of Kentucky football game in 2011.
Bob Sarver and David Oney pose during a visit to a University of Kentucky football game in 2011.

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This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Man dies after saving grandson from Daytona Beach, Florida rip current