Adorable boy, 6, proudly showed dad fish he'd just caught seconds before unimaginable double tragedy
An adorable six-year-old boy and his father tragically died just moments after he caught a fish from a Virginia river. Danny Sumner, 37, and his beloved son Donovan went on a father-son fishing trip at Rappahannock River in Spotsylvania - about an hour outside of Richmond - just before 5pm on March 22. Danny's wife, Madeline Sumner, grew worried after the 'inseparable' pair failed to return home later that night, prompting her to call the sheriff's office at 9.45pm. She attempted to call her husband, but told Fox5 it's hard for him to respond while he's fishing because he tends to not hear his phone. 'When Danny's out fishing, sometimes he may not hear his phone, you know, he's very focused,' Madeline told the outlet. When deputies with the Spotsylvania Sheriff's Officer arrived at the boat landing, they discovered the father's car and cell phone on the river dock. A dive team then jumped into the water and located Danny and Donovan's bodies. The department said there was no evidence of foul play. The initial investigation into their tragic deaths revealed that Donovan, who also went by Don, 'had just caught a fish' before falling off the dock and into the river. Danny Sumner, 37, and his beloved six-year-old son Donovan tragically died after drowning in Rappahannock River on March 22 during a fishing trip Danny's wife, Madeline Sumner, grew worried after the 'inseparable' pair failed to return home later that night, prompting her to call the sheriff's office at 9.45pm. (Pictured: Danny, Madeline, Donovan and their other son Danilo)His father then jumped in after him to try and save his child, 'but tragically drowned himself,' the sheriff's office said. 'What should have been a wonderful memory for a father and son turned into a tragedy,' Spotsylvania Sheriff Roger L. Harris said. The bond between the father and son was evident in heartbreaking photos of the duo enjoying each other's company. Read More Miami father, 47, and son, 9, tragically die in jet ski accident as 911 calls are revealed Danny was known in his community as a loving father and devoted husband, and as 'the guy to help without being asked,' according to a GoFundMe page. A family friend created the donation page to help Madeline and their other son during this challenging time as Danny 'was the sole provider' for the family-of-four as a teacher. As of Thursday morning, more than $44,000 was raised to help support the widow and their surviving child Danilo. Danny has also been remembered as a high school and college basketball star who scored 1,146 points over his career for William & Mary Tribe basketball team from 2007-2010, the team said in a post. He also played for Paul VI Catholic High School. He graduated from there in 2006, the school's alumni office said in a tribute post. The bond between the father and son was evident in heartbreaking photos of the duo enjoying each other's company The initial investigation into their tragic deaths revealed that Donovan, who also went by Don, 'had just caught a fish' before falling off the dock and into the riverMeanwhile, Donovan has been remembered as 'a kind and gentle spirit,' who loved to play with his baby brother. He had just learned how to ride his bike without training wheels, the GoFundMe page stated. Madeline shared footage of Donovan accomplishing just that a few weeks ago, telling Fox5: 'My husband had been out everyday with Donovan, you know, practicing riding the bike without his training wheels.''Donovan was definitely following his dad's footsteps of being just a kind, and just a gentle person,' she added. Days after their tragic passing, Madeline took to Facebook in an emotional post about her late son and husband. 'I will love and miss you, my loves, forever. My baby, Donovan, and my soul's mate and husband, Danny. 'Until me and Danilo see each of you again, keep us, cover us, protect us...,' the grieving mother said. In another post, she said Danny and Donovan 'left in the most honorable way, trying to save each other.' 'My husband gave no thought about saving my son and gave his ALL until the Lord called them both home. Madelina said Danny and Donovan (pictured) 'left in the most honorable way, trying to save each other' 'God, I don't know why you left us this cross to bear and with that, I will do my best to carry this knowing that they loved us so much,' she continued. Other friends and loved ones remembered the father and son following their passing. 'Rest in peace Danny Sumner and Donovan Sumner. Danny and I were great friends in middle school, and years later, we reconnected via Facebook. During my interactions with Danny, he always remained humble, calm, and polite,' one wrote. The Fredericksburg Grizzlies, a non-profit basketball team Danny played for, also honored him. 'He was always accountable, dependable and he exemplified his faith and how a man should live his life on and off the court. He will truly be missed & forever in our hearts but NEVER forgotten,' the group said on Facebook. 'Danny was truly a great man of faith, integrity and high character. He loved his wife Maddie and his family, along with being an extremely talented professional basketball player with the Bombers,' another wrote. A funeral service for the father and son is set to take place on April 12 at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Triangle, Virginia, according to their obituary. A 'life celebration' is scheduled to follow the service, as well as their burial.
