Silver Lake Warriors Football Coach Joshua Curtis, 38, Dies While Saving His Son And Niece And Leaving His Wife Barbara Behind

Joshua Curtis's family said that he loved the ocean and spearfishing.

This article was last updated by on

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, 8, 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.
Rohit Maharjan
Rohit Maharjan
Rohit Maharjan is a skilled content writer and editor, known for his expertise in crafting engaging and informative written pieces. Beyond his professional work, Rohit is also a passionate musician, dedicating his free time to playing the guitar and creating melodious tunes.

Related articles

Comments

Share article

Blair County, PA, Former Gymnastics Coach Theresa Mitchell Pleads Guilty to Producing Child Sexual Abuse Material

A gymnastics coach who once lived in Navarre, Florida, has admitted in federal court to a string of serious charges tied to the production...

Wichita, KS — Bench-Clearing Brawl Erupts at TBT Quarterfinal, Nine Players Ejected

A quarterfinal matchup in The Basketball Tournament turned tense on Monday night at the Roundhouse in Wichita, where the AfterShocks and JHX Hoops faced...

La Porte, Indiana, Fight Flix Event Draws Huge Crowd as Jeremy Grider Headlines Memorable Night

Fight Flix Combat Sports Events generated plenty of discussion after its latest show, with fans and organizers reflecting on what many described as one...

Eagle, Idaho: Former NFL Star Jordan Devey Dies at 38 by Suicide

Former NFL offensive lineman Jordan Devey has died at the age of 38, and his family says he died by suicide. Devey, who won...

Richland, MI, State Police Investigate Alleged Assault at Gull Lake Football Camp

Michigan State Police are looking into a reported assault connected to the Gull Lake High School varsity football program. According to MSP 6th District...