Derrick Moore, a DeKalb County elementary school teacher, died at a South Carolina beach after going in after a young girl he had never met, and the woman who called 911 said he did not hesitate.
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Mikele Bell was on the sand with her family Friday evening when she heard a child calling out from the water. Bell said she believes the girl was about 10.
“We just saw this little girl in a purple bathing suit and she was just screaming, help, help, help,” Bell said.
The girl was caught in a rip current, Bell said. The current dragged her farther out as her family watched. Her uncle was waist deep and could not fight his way to her. Bell said Moore ran in without stopping. Her husband, Cameron Bell, went in next and swam to the side of the current.
“I think it’s one of the most amazing things I have ever, ever witnessed. His bravery, there was no hesitation,” Bell said. “He saw a little girl that was in distress. He did not hesitate for a second to get out in that water to go help that little girl.”
Moore reached the girl, went under, came back up and pushed her toward Bell’s husband, who got her to shore, Bell said. Moore did not come back.
The Horry County Coroner’s Office said Moore, 47, of Loganville, helped the child out of a strong rip current and collapsed immediately afterward. His body was recovered the next morning. The Myrtle Beach Police Department is investigating.
“I wholeheartedly believe that Derrick gave her at least another minute or two of breath before my husband got to her,” Bell said. “I think that he should be looked at as a hero.”
Moore taught at Rockbridge Elementary School in Stone Mountain and, before that, at Jolly Elementary School. The DeKalb County School District said counselors were at both schools Monday. Students called him Coach.
Alessandra Phillips met him once, on her son’s first day, when she was new and lost in the pickup line.
“He went and called my son for me and brought him out for me,” Phillips said.
Moore leaves behind four children in Loganville. Neighbor Kirsten Tous said people on the street are bringing what they can.
“If we can help in any way, we will,” Tous said.
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