Link to the GoFundMe: Support for Emily Jennings family

LONGMEADOW, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) -- A father and beloved coach, formerly from Longmeadow, died last week while heroically saving his children during their family vacation. 46-year-old Ryan Jennings drowned at Juno Beach in Florida after pushing his 12-year-old son and holding his 9-year-old daughter above a rip current until rescuers arrived.

A father of three with a fourth child on the way, and a devoted husband, friend, and coach; close friends of the Jennings family describe Ryan as not only an amazing human being, but a hero. Now, the Jennings family needs your help to get through this devastating time.

Western Mass News spoke with Geraldine Ollila, a close friend of the family, who says, “Truly, if there is a love story to be told, an ideal family that we all look up to, to emulate, to be like, it is the Jennings family...Without question, Ryan was the most exceptional father and such an amazing, adoring husband.”

The Jennings; Ryan, Emily and their three young children; now live in Maine, but Ryan was originally from right here in western Mass. He attended Longmeadow High School, then moved on to Wilbraham Monson Academy, where he graduated in 1998.

Geraldine Ollila tells us the family was vacationing in South Florida last week, visiting Ryan’s parents. On Wednesday afternoon, they were on Juno Beach when two of the children were swimming in the ocean when they were caught in the rip currents. Witnesses say Ryan didn’t hesitate, immediately swimming after them. He was able to save the children, but he couldn’t save himself.

“He was a hero. He saved the kids. It was exactly who Ryan Jennings is: an amazing, amazing human being,” Geraldine continues.

Now, not only are Emily and the children faced with a future without Ryan, but Emily just learned she’s pregnant with their fourth child. At this time, the family remains in Florida. When they do return home to Maine, Ollila says neighbors are ready to embrace them, “They’re in so much pain and deep into grief, but they will overcome it together, and they will be surrounded by a community that loves them.”

Geraldine is now organizing a GoFundMe for the Jennings family to give Emily and her children the time and resources to get back on their feet.

The current goal is now $250,000 dollars. If you are interested in contributing to the family, you can click here to donate.

We have been in touch with the Jennings family, and they tell us they want Ryan’s story to be told.

On Western Mass News @ 6, we’re hearing how the western Mass. wrestling community is responding to the loss of their former coach.

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