Birmingham-area fathers identified as men killed in Panama City Beach riptide: 'They were inseparable'

A weekend in Florida proved deadly for three young Birmingham-area fathers, who died after getting caught in a rip current at Panama City Beach.

The Bay County Sheriff's Office identified the victims as Harold Denzel Hunter, 25, Jemonda Ray, 24, and Marius Richardson, also 24.

Ray and Richardson were cousins ​​who, according to family members, grew up like brothers. Hunter was their friend. Their families said Saturday they were working to get their loved ones back to Alabama.

“I just wish the outcome was better than what it is,” said Jayla Ray, whose brother Jemonda was among the three killed. “I’m just glad they were found and can come home.”

The three men were part of a group of six people who arrived in Panama City Beach on Friday to stay in an Airbnb. Ray's girlfriend, Richardson's wife and one of Hunter's cousins ​​also made the trip.

“They registered their rental and rushed to get in the water,” Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford said.

They entered the water around 8 p.m. and were quickly swept away by the rip current. The young men were reported missing near the Watercress Condominiums at 6201 Thomas Drive.

The three swimmers were eventually rescued from the dark waters and sent to local hospitals for treatment, where they died.

Ray, the father of a young son, graduated from Jackson-Olin High School in Birmingham and worked at Amazon.

His mother, Iris Richardson, is heartbroken.

“I called him ‘Daddy’ because he acted like my dad,” Richardson said. “He kept everyone with a smile on their face. She was the nicest person.

The men were chest-deep in water when they began to feel distressed.

“The detective told me they were trying to get back to shore, but the current got the best of them,” Richardson said.

“It’s hard,” she said. “He made sure to see me every day.”

Ray loved soccer, playing in the youth leagues in Birmingham and then at Jackson-Olin. He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan.

“He was loved,” his sister said. “He left here knowing he was loved.”

Ray and his cousin, Marius, had grown up together since birth.

“It was two peas in a pod,” Richardson said. “They were inseparable.”

Marius Richardson, a graduate of Woodlawn High School, leaves behind his wife and 2-year-old son.

“He worked hard, too,” Richardson said. “He always took care of his family. He was a good person.

Hunter was a graduate of Minor High School in Jefferson County and worked for Mavis Tires & Brakes.

He leaves behind two young children – a son and a daughter.

“He was the life of the party,” said his sister, Selina Black. “He was always smiling. He wanted everyone to stand up, even when he was down.

Hunter loved his children and he loved music.

“He was our own personal DJ,” Black said.

The family said they will miss his laugh and infectious, energetic spirit the most.

“It was all so unexpected and hit the family hard,” she said.

A GoFundMe has been launched to help Hunter's family. Donations can be made here.

“My heart is very heavy this morning following the loss of three young visitors to our community,” Sheriff Ford said in a Facebook post. “I pray for their family and ask you to do the same. It's such a tragedy.

“I saw so many people, including visitors from our community, gathering on the beach last night desperately searching for them,” he said. “The acts of courage by the first responders were extraordinary. »

“Many of our rescue swimmers from the Sheriff's Office, Bay County Emergency Services and Panama City Beach went into the dark and dangerous waters for over two hours attempting to rescue and search for the young men,” Ford said. “I worry about the emotional toll these situations put on first responders, because I know I struggle with this too. »