The family of a father who was swept out to sea while rescuing six children said 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 the children off Mary Ellis Wreck Beach, near Port Lincoln.
Two of Mr Cojocea’s children and his wife of 18-years, 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 told 7News on Tuesday.
Dan Cojocea (above) was swept out to sea on Friday while trying to rescue six children from a rip on Mary Ellis Beach, near Port Lincoln
Mr Cojocea’s heartbroken family (above) said the discovery of the 43-year-old’s body on Monday has ‘shaken our family to its core’
‘Although this tragedy has shaken our family to its core, we are forever grateful for the support and prayers from loved ones and the wider community, particularly those who have been on the ground searching tirelessly with the SES.
‘Dan was loved by all who knew him, bringing 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 attempt to walk through this tragedy.’
It’s understood Mr Cojocea was holidaying with his four children, his wife and the family of his best mate, Riaan Grobler.
He was swimming with six children when they were caught in a strong rip 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 aerial, ground and ocean search (above) began on Friday afternoon but Mr Cojocea’s body was found by his relatives washed up on the shore on Monday morning
Two of those children were Mr Cojocea’s sons, Eddie and Elijah aged between nine and 12, and Mr Grobler’s daughter.
‘He is an absolute hero,’ Mr Grobler told the Adelaide Advertiser.
‘He went in 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’s a national hero. He is my hero without a doubt.’
However, Mr Cojocea was caught in large waves near the shoreline and disappeared below the surface.
A four-day aerial, ground and ocean search began on Friday afternoon but could not find the father’s body.
He was eventually found by his relatives washed up on the shore on Monday morning.
The discovery led to an outpouring of grief from friends and family online.
Two of Mr Cojocea’s children and wife of 18-years, Alina (pictured with Mr Cojocea), watched in horror from the shore as Mr Cojocea disappeared on Friday
‘Dan Cojocea leaves behind a legacy. He was a loving husband who was as in love with his wife today as he was years ago,’ one wrote.
‘A helper, always happy to lend a hand. A father that was never afraid to look like a clown if it brought smiles to their faces. A good friend to many. Forgiving and loving.
‘A hero! Took his last breath saving his children and his mates daughter. To think that the world is without you now Dan, is devastating.’
Another said: ‘My heart is heavy tonight. Always a kind and humble man, his love for his family and his generous spirit radiated out, always with his trademark 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 enveloped in love by those near and far.’
Many of Mr Cojocea’s 13 siblings have also travelled from across to be with his grieving family.
Family member Lidia has started a GoFundMe to help support the 43-year-old’s wife and children as they come to terms with the sudden loss.
A GoFundMe to help Mr Cojocea’s (above) grieving family 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 human that we call father, son, brother and uncle is no longer with us earth-side,’ the post reads.
‘We find comfort in knowing that we will meet again one day in heaven.
‘For everyone who knew Dan will agree to say he truly was an amazing man. Taking on everyone else’s burdens and making everyone feel included and loved.
‘He impacted 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 final hour of life.’
The fundraiser has already received more than $61,000 from 294 donors.