The couple were swimming together with two of their children on Hutchinson Island on June 20 when the catastrophe unfolded.
The teenagers were able to save themselves, but both Brian and Erica were helpless against the powerful ocean currents. According to the statement issued by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office regarding the tragedy, the teenagers made courageous attempts to rescue their parents but were ultimately overpowered by the strong current. Emergency responders arrived quickly, initiating rescue operations. Tragically, even though they were rushed to a nearby hospital, Brian and Erica were pronounced dead by the medical personnel.”

Erica Wishart. Credit: Facebook
On the day the couple lost their lives, the water conditions were notoriously dangerous, with red flags flying at the beach to warn swimmers of the dangerous riptide conditions, according to Cory Pippen, a representative from Martin County Fire Rescue. These flags are meant to alert beachgoers about potential water hazards like strong rip currents.

According to Brian’s dad, his son and Erica were together for over a year. They were engaged and were planning on getting married after all of their children finished college, according to CBS 12 News.

Their first vacation along with the kids was a significant moment in their lives. “They were so thrilled, they couldn’t see straight about going down,” Brian’s father, Larry Warter, recounted. “This was the first time. This was the experiment. They had all six of their kids together. They had been planning it for over a month.”

The couple was very much in love. Larry Warter noted, “It was obvious if you were around them,” reflecting on Brian and Erica’s bond. Brian’s mom, Susie Warter, said that her son and Erica were loved by many and everyone who knew them.

Brian’s family received numerous messages of support from their family, friends, and the entire community. “We’ve been overwhelmed by offers of help and everything else. We thought we were going through this alone and it hasn’t been,” Larry Warter shared.

A GoFundMe page was established in the couple’s memory. There, Wayne Sallurday offered a touching tribute to Erica. “Erica was simply an amazing person. She was a loving mother of two sons and two daughters; with her youngest son being adopted at a young age.

“Erica worked at an elementary school teaching special needs children, and later worked in her school library. She spent a significant amount of time helping at her local church. We could go on and on, but we think you get the picture by now. She was one of the nicest human beings you could ever meet.”

The National Weather Service provides important guidance on rip currents on its website, emphasizing that while rip currents do not pull swimmers underwater, they can swiftly tire them out. Staying calm is essential.

“Trying to swim against a rip current will only use up your energy; energy you need to survive and escape the rip current. Do NOT try to swim directly into the shore. Swim along the shoreline until you escape the current’s pull. When free from the pull of the current, swim at an angle away from the current toward shore,” the website advises. The service also recommends never swimming alone and adhering to the motto, ‘If in doubt, don’t go out!’”

This tragedy should serve as a reminder of the dangers of rip currents and the importance of following safety warnings while swimming.

May they rest in peace.