It was a tragic end to what was supposed to be four days of family fun in the sun when a Delaware County dad drowned in Ocean City, Maryland Tuesday.
Ocean City Police say that around 3 p.m. Stephen Richard Ostan, 49, of Marcus Hook was walking with his 2-year-old son along the sea wall at the inlet when he slipped -- child in arms -- and fell into the water. Both hit the rocks on the way down.
A female witness climbed down the wall and was able to rescue the toddler who was clinging to the rocks. Stephen, however, was not able to be saved despite the efforts of two boaters and Ocean City rescue crews.
He was pronounced dead at Atlantic General Hospital.
"He was the best man in the world. He was the greatest husband and the greatest father and the best friend I could ever ask for," Stephen's wife Colleen Ostan told NBC10's Jesse Gary.
The victim's son was also taken to Atlantic General where he was treated for the injuries he sustained in the fall.
And although she is without her husband of seven years, the victim's widow is grateful that her son is still with her.
"...She pulled my baby out of the water ad I want to thank her from the bottom of my heart. And I would love to meet her and thank her. For pulling this baby out of the ocean. She did the bravest thing in the world."
