Photo for Headline Surfer / Heriberto Robinson, 65, of Clermont, Florida, is shown with his family in this undated photo for a GoFundMe campaign in his name. He drowned on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in a rip current in Daytona Beach Shores, Florida.
By HENRY FREDERICK / Headline Surfer
DAYTONA BEACH Shores, Fla. -- A GoFundMe campaign for a Clermont man who drowned Oct. 18 in Daytona Beach Shores has reached $16,806.
The donation total exceeded the donation goal of $15,000 to help the family defray the funeral costs for 65-year-old Heriberto Robinson, who drowned after he and his 16-year-old son were caught in a rip current that day.
The son made it back to shore alive with help from other beachgoers, but the father did not.
Here is a synopsis of what occurred: On Saturday, Oct. 18, just before 2 p.m., Volusia County Beach Safety responded to reports of two swimmers in distress in the 2200 block area of Daytona Beach Shores. Upon arrival, beach safety personnel found Robinson and his son had been caught in a rip current while swimming in an unguarded section of the beach.
Responders brought the son safely to shore. The elder swimmer was located unresponsive, and lifeguards immediately began lifesaving measures. The individual was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
"Our hearts go out to the victim’s family and loved ones during this difficult time," Tamra Malphurs, the director of Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue, told Headline Surfer on Thursday. "Red flags were flying at the time, indicating hazardous rip current conditions, which continue along the Volusia County coastline."
"Our hearts go out to the victim’s family and loved ones during this difficult time," Tamra Malphurs, the director of Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue, told Headline Surfer on Thursday. "Red flags were flying at the time, indicating hazardous rip current conditions, which continue along the Volusia County coastline."
Beach Safety reminds all beachgoers to always swim in front of a staffed lifeguard tower, Malphurs stressed, as a first line of defense against serious injury or a possible loss of life due to drowning.
This was the second drowning in the last few weeks locally due to rip currents: Volusia County Beach Safety: Drowning victim in Daytona Beach identified as Douglas Lewis, 51, of Westfield, Indiana.
Heriberto Robinson Obituary
Heriberto Robinson was described in his posted obituary notice as a dedicated father to his adult daughter Tatiana, and his younger children Eriana and Zyan. He also cherished the role of being a grandfather to his beloved grandson, Bishop.
In his retirement years, Heriberto Robinson focused on raising his two younger children, providing them with care, protection, and constant love. His presence was central to their lives, and his passing has left a profound impact on his family, particularly his children, who have now lost their primary caregiver.
A heartfelt message from Tatiana Robinson, his daughter, shared on social media, expressed the family's immense grief. "We are asking for support during this incredibly difficult time, to help cover funeral expenses and provide care for the children Heriberto adored," Tatiana wrote.
For Donation: Click Here (GoFundMe).
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