Nationwide — A heart-wrenching tragedy unfolded near Richmond, Virginia when Danny Sumner, a 37-year-old African American father and his six-year-old son, Donovan, lost their lives during a father-son fishing trip. The two, described as inseparable, had spent the afternoon at the Rappahannock River in Spotsylvania County on March 22. Moments after Donovan proudly caught a fish, he fell into the water. Danny, in an act of pure devotion, jumped in to save him, but both tragically drowned.According to Fox 5 DC, Danny’s wife, Madeline Sumner, grew concerned when her husband and son didn’t return home that evening. She contacted the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office at 9:45 p.m. after being unable to reach Danny, who often didn’t hear his phone while fishing. Deputies quickly responded and found Danny’s car and phone at the river dock. A dive team was deployed, and both bodies were discovered in the river. Authorities reported no signs of foul play and confirmed that Donovan had just caught a fish before the accident occurred.
The devastating loss left the local community mourning the beloved father and son. Danny was remembered as a devoted husband, a selfless friend, and a passionate teacher who served as the family’s sole provider. He was also celebrated for his basketball achievements at Paul VI Catholic High School and William & Mary, where he scored 1,146 points during his college career. A GoFundMe campaign was launched to support Madeline and the couple’s surviving son, Danilo, raising over $44,000 as of Thursday morning.
Donovan, lovingly nicknamed “Don,” was remembered as a kind, gentle child who recently mastered riding his bike without training wheels—a milestone his father had helped him achieve. Madeline shared touching footage of Donovan’s accomplishment, describing her son as following Danny’s footsteps in character and kindness. In a moving Facebook tribute, Madeline honored their bond, writing, “My husband gave no thought about saving my son and gave his ALL until the Lord called them both home.”
The community continues to honor Danny and Donovan’s memory. Friends recalled Danny’s humility, faith, and unwavering kindness, while the Fredericksburg Grizzlies basketball team praised his example both on and off the court. A funeral service is scheduled for April 12 at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Triangle, Virginia, followed by a celebration of life and burial. In the words of Madeline, Danny and Donovan “left in the most honorable way—trying to save each other.”