Nataley Childers: Widow of Hero Chase Childers Shares Family’s Journey After Beach Tragedy

The ocean’s beauty turned deadly on July 13, 2025, when former police officer and minor league baseball player Chase Childers drowned saving strangers from a rip current off Pawleys Island, South Carolina. His final act of bravery left behind a shattered family—and thrust his wife, Nataley Childers, into a heart-wrenching spotlight. As tributes pour in for Chase, Nataley now navigates life as a single mother to their three children, buoyed by a community determined to honor her husband’s legacy.

Nataley Childers: A Life Anchored in Family and Service

Nataley Childers, a dedicated real estate agent and homemaker, built her world around faith, family, and quiet service. Married to Chase for over a decade, the couple raised three children—Barrett, Brooks, and Bella—in Cobb County, Georgia, where Chase served as a police officer before transitioning to sales. Friends describe Nataley as fiercely private yet deeply engaged in local volunteer work, often supporting youth sports and community outreach.

Her Instagram profile (@nataleychilders) reveals glimpses of their life: beach vacations, Little League games, and candid moments with Chase. Of her 2,100 posts, many highlight Chase coaching their sons or cradling their daughter—a testament to what colleagues call his “everyday integrity.” When Chase died at 38, Nataley lost not just a husband but her family’s cornerstone.

Key Insight:
Nataley’s resilience mirrors Chase’s courage. As one family friend shared: “She’s focusing on the kids’ strength—just like Chase would’ve wanted.”

Chase Childers’ Final Act: Tragedy and Tributes

The Pawleys Island Rescue

On a sunny Sunday afternoon, Chase sprinted into turbulent waters after spotting four swimmers struggling in a rip current. According to the Pawleys Island Police Department, he reached the group but was pulled under by the same force he fought to overcome. His body was recovered 90 minutes later.

Chase’s baseball background—he pitched in the minor leagues before joining law enforcement—fueled his instinct to protect. Teammates recall his fearlessness; Cobb County PD Chief Tim Cox eulogized him as “the first through the door in crises.”

A Nation’s Outpouring

Within hours, #ChaseChilders trended nationally. Former MLB players, police unions, and strangers donated $159,475 via a GoFundMe for Nataley and the children. The campaign’s organizer, Jordan Wicker, wrote:

“These funds support Nataley and their children as they heal from losing a hero taken too soon.”

Tributes flooded social media:

• Ryan Fournier (Conservative commentator): “Rest Easy, Chase Childers… He leaves behind 3 children and his wife Nataley.”
• Cobb County PD: “Chase ran toward danger when others backed away. We’re heartbroken but proud.”
• Donor via GoFundMe: “You didn’t need to know him to be touched by his bravery.”

Nataley’s Private Grief

Nataley has not spoken publicly since the incident but released a family statement:

“Chase prioritized others’ safety above his own. To us, he’ll forever be our hero.”

Sources close to the family confirm she’s leaning on faith and close friends while managing funeral arrangements and her children’s grief.

Astronomer CPO Kristin Cabot Affair with CEO Andy Byron

Must Know: FAQs About Nataley Childers and the Tragedy

Q1: How did Chase Childers die?
Chase drowned on July 13, 2025, after entering rough seas to rescue swimmers trapped in a rip current near Pawleys Island, SC. The U.S. National Weather Service reports rip currents cause 80% of beach rescues and over 100 deaths annually.

Q2: Who is Nataley Childers?
Nataley, 30-40, is a real estate agent and mother of three. She maintains a private life but shares family moments on Instagram (@nataleychilders).

Q3: How can I support the Childers family?
Donations via the official GoFundMe assist with living costs and the children’s future. Over 1,500 donors have contributed.

Q4: What were Chase Childers’ career highlights?
He pitched in minor league baseball (2008-2012), later serving with Cobb County Police until 2021. He transitioned to medical sales to spend more time with family.

Q5: How many children did Chase and Nataley have?
Three: Barrett, Brooks, and Bella. Photos show Chase coaching their baseball teams and attending dance recitals.

Q6: Are there safety resources to prevent similar tragedies?
Yes. The National Oceanic Service advises swimmers to “break the grip of the rip” by floating parallel to shore. Local lifeguards offer free safety briefings.

Nataley Childers now embodies a duality of grief and grace—mourning a husband who died a hero while nurturing the family he cherished. As donations and prayers uplift her, Chase’s legacy endures in every life he saved and every wave his children will brave without him. If his sacrifice moves you, honor it: support rip current education or donate to his family’s GoFundMe today.