The family, friends, students, colleagues, and wider community are mourning the tragic passing of Derrick Moore, a beloved DeKalb County teacher and coach who died after rescuing a young girl from a dangerous rip current off Myrtle Beach.
Moore lost his life on August 7, 2026, after entering the ocean to help a 10-year-old girl who had become trapped in a rip current. According to authorities, there were no lifeguards on duty at the time.
Moore was able to help the girl reach safety, but he was then pulled underwater by the powerful current and disappeared. His body was discovered washed ashore the following morning.
His death has left an extraordinary sense of grief among his family, students, colleagues, friends, and the many people who have learned about the selfless act that ultimately cost him his life.
Derrick Moore Remembered as a Hero
Derrick Moore was known as “Coach” to many of his students at Rockbridge Elementary School, where he worked as an educator in the DeKalb County School District.
Before joining Rockbridge Elementary, Moore taught at Jolly Elementary School. Throughout his career, he became known for his commitment to children and education and for the care he showed toward the students and families he served.
The DeKalb County School District described Moore as someone who made a meaningful impact on students, families, colleagues, and communities throughout his time with the district.
His dedication went beyond simply teaching in a classroom. Parents and students remembered his willingness to be present, supportive, and committed to helping young people succeed.
Diijon DaCosta Sr., whose child was among Moore’s students, remembered him as an educator who regularly arrived early and stayed late.
The loss of someone who had become such a trusted presence in the school community has been especially painful for those who knew him personally.
The Myrtle Beach Rescue
Moore was visiting Myrtle Beach on the evening of August 7 when he noticed a young girl struggling in the ocean.
The girl, 10-year-old Summer Callum, had entered the water and was quickly pulled into deeper water by the current. She later described being frightened as the waves passed over her and her feet could no longer touch the ground.
With no lifeguards on duty, Moore and other bystanders entered the water to help.
Moore managed to reach the girl and extended his arm so she could grab hold. She was eventually brought back to shore safely, but Moore disappeared beneath the water after being caught by the rip current.
His body was found the next morning.
The young girl later recalled the frightening experience and the stranger who helped save her life.
Asked what she would say to Moore if she had the opportunity, she gave a simple but powerful answer:
“Thank you.”
She said she owed her life to him.
A Life Dedicated to Education and Service
Moore’s act of courage at Myrtle Beach reflected the compassion that those who knew him had already seen throughout his life.
At Rockbridge Elementary, he was more than a teacher. Students knew him affectionately as “Coach,” and his influence extended to families and colleagues throughout the school community.
The DeKalb County School District said his presence, care, and dedication to education would be deeply missed.
Parents who interacted with Moore described him as an educator who genuinely cared about the children in his community.
His impact will therefore not be measured only by the number of students he taught, but also by the relationships he developed and the example he set for those around him.
Derrick Moore’s College Years
Before becoming an educator, Moore attended Samford University in Alabama, graduating in 2001.
During his time at Samford, he was also an athlete, playing football and competing in track and field.
Samford University remembered Moore as a true hero following news of his death and called on its community to pray for his family.
His athletic background was another important part of his life, but those closest to him will remember him for much more than his accomplishments on the field.
He ultimately dedicated much of his professional life to education and working with young people.
Derrick Moore Funeral and Memorial Service
Funeral arrangements have been announced for Derrick Moore.
A public visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Stonecrest, Georgia.
A celebration of life service will follow at 10:00 a.m. at the same church.
Moore will be interred at Graceland-Fairlawn Funeral Home and Cemetery in Decatur, Illinois.
The services will provide family, friends, former students, colleagues, and members of the community with an opportunity to gather, remember his life, and honor the legacy he leaves behind.
Remembering a Selfless Act
Derrick Moore’s final moments have become inseparable from the act of courage that defined his last day.
He saw a child in danger and chose to help.
He did not know the girl personally, yet he entered dangerous water to give her a chance to survive. Although he ultimately lost his own life, the child he helped was brought safely back to shore.
For her family, and for everyone who has heard the story, Moore’s actions represent an extraordinary act of selflessness.
His death is a heartbreaking reminder of the power and unpredictability of rip currents and the dangers faced by people who attempt ocean rescues without professional lifeguards.
A Lasting Legacy
For Derrick Moore’s students, his legacy will live on through the lessons he taught and the encouragement he provided.
For his colleagues, he will be remembered as a dedicated educator and friend.
For parents, he will remain a teacher and mentor who cared deeply about the children entrusted to him.
And for the family of the young girl he rescued, his memory will forever be connected to the life he helped save.
The community now faces the difficult task of saying goodbye to a man whose life was devoted to helping others.
His story is one of courage, compassion, education, and sacrifice.
Derrick Moore will be remembered not only as a teacher and coach, but as a hero who gave his life while trying to save someone else.
May Derrick Moore rest in peace. May his family, friends, students, colleagues, and everyone affected by his passing find strength and comfort in his memory.
And may the young girl whose life he helped save always remember the extraordinary man who came to her aid when she needed help most.