A Hart County family is mourning the loss of their son after he drowned while swimming in the Atlantic Ocean.
Nineteen-year-old Ryan Ladd died after jumping into the ocean to save a friend who was being pulled under by the current.
His friend, Twenty-seven-year-old Joseph Robinson, was rescued from the water and treated at the scene.
Robinson told lifeguards he and Ladd were swimming together when they were separated by some large waves caused by severe weather.
Ladd's family says they'll always remember his big heart, caring attitude, and selfless nature.