Silver Lake Warriors football coach Joshua Curtis settled in Halifax with his wife after spending 15 years in the Army.
Joshua Curtis, 38, died on April 24, 2025, at Fernandina Beach when he rushed into the water to save his son and niece who were stuck in a strong rip current.
His family said Joshua loved the ocean and spearfishing. He and his family were at the beach looking for shark teeth when he drowned.
Lance Jones, a sales consultant at Del Webb Wildlight, took to his Facebook handle and mourned the loss of Joshua. He wrote,
It’s with a heavy heart I post this…What we thought was going to be a relaxing sunset walk on the beach Thursday evening turned into the tragic loss of Joshua Curtis.
Lance Jones
His cousin Chris Wall also remembered the time spent with Joshua. He said,
“He was always joyous, I had never seen him without a smile,”
Chris Wall
Dave Davis has organized a fundraising campaign on GoFundMe to help Joshua’s family with funeral costs. The campaign aims to collect $7.5k, and it has collected around $6,915.
A celebration of life in memory of Curtis was held on Tuesday, April 27, 2025. The family thanked everyone who they said worked so hard to save his life.
Joshua will always be remembered for his contributions as an Army and Silver Lake Warriors coach. Rest in Peace, Joshua Curtis.
Joshua Curtis Leaves Behind A Legacy Of Love With Wife Barbara And Son Owen
Joshua Curtis and Barbara Curtis got engaged in April 2014. Barbara took to her official Facebook handle and announced their engagement and wrote,
Best day of my life! My best friend,hero and love of my life proposed to me! Between the champagne, Frank Sinatra playing, being where our first kiss happened to the yellow balloon,I couldn’t be happier!!!
Barbara Curtis
The couple married in 2015. Barbara also shared a glimpse of their wedding on her social media handle.
In February 2018, Barbara announced her pregnancy and shared her excitement for the new chapter. She took to her Facebook and wrote,
If living in Hawaii wasn’t a big enough adventure, just wait until June! Baby Boy “Bruiser” (nickname) is on his way! We couldn’t be more excited for this next chapter!
Barbara Curtis
Joshua and Barara welcomed their son, Owen, 6, in July 2018.
After spending 15 years in the Army, Joshua settled in Halifax with his wife and son.
Sadly, their married life ended after around 9 years following the tragic death of Joshua Curtis.
Following Joshua’s death, Barbara told News4JAX that Joshua was an Army Veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan for the 101st Airborne Infantry and received the Purple Heart for his heroism. She added,
“He was a hero, he loved his son, he loved being a dad, he was a great husband.”
Barbara Curtis
On April 29, 2025, Barbara posted the picture of Joshua on her Facebook account as a tribute. In the comment section, her relatives and friends sent their heartfelt condolences.
One person wrote,
We are so sorry for what happened. Please let us know what we can do. We will be here for you always.
Pam George
Another person wrote,
My deepest condolences to you and your family in this difficult time!
Lisa Santoro-Lahaye
In Case You Didn’t Know
- The Silver Lake Warriors’ Football coach, Joshua Curtis, grew up with his sister, Rachel Wall.
- Middleboro, MA, resident Gina Morse has also organized a GoFundMe fundraising campaign, which has already collected over $24,560.
