A former Marine and single father has died in a boating accident in the British Virgin Islands, leaving his daughter an orphan.
Robert Safford, 33, was identified by Royal Virgin Island police on Wednesday.
He was found by police last week, on March 22, floating off the coast of Great Harbour on Jost Van Dyke, one of the islands that make up the archipelago.
Tragically, Safford's late wife Rachele died of cancer in September 22, aged just 33, meaning the late couple's toddler Isabella is now an orphan.
Safford had head injuries and his boat was found nearby. Police ruled out foul play, and said his death was an accident.
'The one male occupant was found unresponsive in the waters with injuries to the head while the dinghy he was in was met circling in the area,' the RVIPF reported at the time.
'Following attempts to resuscitate him, he was pronounced dead.'
Robert Safford, 33, is pictured with his wife Rachele. She died from cancer last year: he was killed in a boating accident on March 22. They leave behind a young daughter
Safford is pictured with his daughter Isabella, who is now being cared for by her grandparents
Safford's wife Rachele died last year from cancer.
'Rob was a single father but not by choice,' said his friend Joey Butrico, a former Marine who now hosts a podcast talking to veterans about mental health.
'Rachele, Rob's wife, and Bella's mother, lost her battle with cancer in 2022.'
Launching a GoFundMe appeal, Butrico wrote: 'We are looking to get as much support as possible to help Bella's grandparents and family.
'Raising a child is not easy; hopefully, we can lessen the financial burden through this difficult time.'
Chuck Jack, a martial arts instructor, trained with Safford and said: 'One of the best going through SSBC with me.'
Safford is seen during his time in the Marines
Originally from North Carolina, Safford is thought to have served as a sniper in the Marines and completed the Scout Sniper Ballistics Computers course
Safford and his daughter, Isabella
Safford is seen on his travels, in an image posted in a Facebook tribute
Safford is pictured with a camel during his travels in the Middle East
Another former colleague in the Marines, Juan Perez, said Safford was 'one of the baddest dudes I ever met.'
He wrote on Facebook: 'You always gave it your all, you loved being a Marine more than anything, and you deserved more and you went for more.
'I'm sorry that your life was cut short by a tragic accident.
'However, I know that you lived more in your 33 years than most of us will in a lifetime.'
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