Community raises thousands for grieving family within hours

A GoFundMe page has been set up for the family of a “hero” who died while saving three children from a rip at an Australian beach.

Australia has rallied around the family of a beloved father who died after he was caught in a rip at a South Australian beach, with more than $50,000 donated in 15 hours.

Father of four Dan Cojocea has been hailed a “hero” after he saved his two sons and the daughter of a friend from a rip before disappearing into waters off Mary Ellis Wreck Beach near Port Lincoln on Friday.

The 43-year-old’s body was found on Monday following an extensive four-day search.

Mr Cojocea’s sister Lidia Panait launched a GoFundMe page for the beloved father’s four children and wife, Alina Cojocea, who have been left “heartbroken” by the tragedy.

A GoFundMe page has been set up for the family of Dan Cojocea, who died in waters off Mary Ellis Beach. Mr Cojocea is pictured with his wife Alina.

More than 260 separate donations have raised almost $55,000 of a $100,000 target, with the East Roxby Sporting Club donating $5000 to the Roxby Downs’s family in a generous show of support.

In a touching tribute, Mr Cojocea’s sister said he was a “devoted husband” and a “loving father” to his “beautiful children”.

“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. We find comfort in knowing that we will meet again one day in heaven,” Ms Panait wrote.

“For everyone who knew Dan will agree to say he truly was an amazing man. Taking on everyone elses burdens and making everyone feel included and loved. Impacted so many lives in the best way, even though he probably didn't know it, a truly amazing man who also loved God.”

Mr Cojocea was caught in a rip.

Mrs Panait said Mr Cojocea died a “hero” and a “selfless” man as he saved “the children that would have otherwise lost their own lives”.

“We are so incredibly proud of him, for the hero he is, portraying selfless love even in his final hour of life by saving his own 2 sons and best friend’s daughter from the rip waters before being swept out to sea himself. Heaven has gained another soul,” she said.

“If you have on (sic) your heart to support Dan’s beautiful family: Alina Cojocea and her four children who have now devastatingly been left without a husband and father too soon. It will be an amazing support.”