The family of a father who was swept out to sea while saving six children say his death has shaken them to their core.
Dan Cojocea, 43, was lost at sea on Friday afternoon after bravely diving into a rip to rescue children at Mary Ellis Wreck Beach, near Port Lincoln.
Two of Mr. Cojocea’s children and his 18-year-old wife, Alina, watched in horror from the shore as Mr. Cojocea was dragged out to sea by the current.
His body was found four days later on Monday.
“Our hearts are broken with devastation over the loss of a wonderful husband, son, father and brother,” the Cojocea family said 7News on Tuesday.
Dan Cojocea (above) was swept into the sea on Friday while trying to rescue six children from a rip at Mary Ellis Beach, near Port Lincoln
The heartbroken family of Mr Cojocea (above) said the discovery of the 43-year-old’s body on Monday ‘has shocked our family to the core’
‘While this tragedy has shaken our family to the core, we are forever grateful for the support and prayers of loved ones and the wider community, especially those who have searched tirelessly with the SES.
“Dan was loved by all who knew him and brought joy, laughter and encouragement wherever he went.”
‘A man who loved his family more than anything in the world. He will forever be remembered as a hero and a man of faith.
“Thank you for everyone’s messages of love and support as we try to cope with this tragedy.”
It is understood Mr Cojocea was on holiday with his four children, his wife and the family of his best friend, Riaan Grobler.
He was swimming with six children when they were caught in a strong current.
Mr Cojocea managed to save all the children from drowning and four of the group were treated in hospital for non-life-threatening injuries, including hypothermia.
A four-day search from the air, on the ground and in the ocean (above) began on Friday afternoon, but Mr Cojocea’s body was found by his relatives on Monday morning, washed up on shore.
Two of these children were Mr. Cojocea’s sons, Eddie and Elijah, aged between nine and 12, and Mr. Grobler’s daughter.
“He’s an absolute hero,” Grobler told the newspaper Adelaide Advertiser.
“He went there without thinking and saved my daughter’s life. She told me she thought she was going to die.
‘He just couldn’t save himself. He is a national hero. He is without a doubt my hero.’
However, Mr. Cojocea was caught in large waves near the coastline and disappeared below the surface.
A four-day air, ground and ocean search began Friday afternoon, but the father’s body could not be found.
He was eventually found washed up on the shore by his relatives on Monday morning.
The discovery sparked an outpouring of grief from friends and family online.
Two of Mr. Cojocea’s children and the 18-year-old woman, Alina (pictured with Mr. Cojocea), watched in horror from the shore as Mr. Cojocea disappeared on Friday.
“Dan Cojocea leaves a legacy. He was a loving husband who was as in love with his wife today as he was years ago,” one person wrote.
‘A helper, always willing to lend a hand. A father who was never afraid to look like a clown if it put a smile on their face. A good friend to many. Forgiving and loving.
‘A hero! Breathed his last and saved his children and his friend’s daughter. To think that the world is now without you, Dan, is devastating.”
Another said: ‘My heart is heavy tonight. He was always a kind and humble man, his love for his family and his generous spirit shone through, always with his signature smile.
“He will be missed by so many who had the pleasure of knowing him.
‘Rest in peace, Cojo. May your legacy live on through your beautiful family, who will be held in love by both near and far.”
Many of Mr Cojocea’s 13 siblings have also traveled from across Australia to be with his grieving family.
Family member Lidia has started one GoFundMe to help the 43-year-old’s wife and children cope with the sudden loss.
A GoFundMe to help Mr. Cojocea’s grieving family (above) has raised more than $61,000 from 294 donors
“To say we are heartbroken is an understatement. “We cannot believe that such a beautiful, kind, funny and generous person, whom we call father, son, brother and uncle, is no longer with us on earth,” the message read.
“We find comfort in knowing that one day we will meet again in heaven.
“For anyone who knew Dan would agree to say that he was truly a wonderful man. Taking on the burdens of others and making sure everyone feels included and loved.
“He touched so many lives in the best way, even though he probably didn’t know it.
“We are so incredibly proud of him for the hero he is, portraying selfless love even in his last hour of life.”
The fundraiser has already received more than $61,000 from 294 donors.