Swept Out to Sea. The Tragedy of Little Michael McDonald.
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- Опубліковано 16 лис 2023
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STORY:
The surf, suddenly aggressive, reached out and took the child from the shallows. Despite the back-and-forth efforts of the helpless parents, there was nothing to do but wait. Later in the day, the child’s body was found on the beach a mile away.
The photograph entitled “Tragedy by the Sea” appeared on the front page of The Times the next day. The image won the 1955 Pulitzer Prize for press photography;
the Pulitzer committee called the photo:
“poignant and profoundly moving.”
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The Angel face you see is the Haserot, named “The Angel of Death Victorious". The stoic angel is seated on the marble gravestone of canning entrepreneur Francis Haserot and his family. Holding an extinguished torch upside-down, it represents a symbol of life extinguished. Wings are outstretched and the gaze is straight ahead.
IN THE END, DEATH ALWAYS WINS. LEST THE FACES NOT BE FORGOTTEN...
This channel is focused on casually walking and viewing a handful of the thousands of forgotten names and faces at various cemeteries near and afar. Seeing their faces up close. And when able, telling the stories behind their names.
Most graves are unknown and lost to history.
Some are famous.
And some infamous....
....and some with tragic endings.
#graves #cemeteries #death
What a sad story! When I was a teenager, we lived in Puerto Rico and had gone to a picnic at the beach with a lot of families that my Dad worked with. I saw a little girl about 4 or 5 years of age get swept out like that and I ran into the water. All I could see was her long, brown hair just under the water between two swells, and I grabbed her and carried her back to the sand. She wasn't harmed. I was a little shaken, as were the other two little girls she had been playing with. None of the adults saw us, but later in the day, her mother thanked me for pulling her out. She said the little ones had told her what happened. God bless poor little Michael, and his parents. May their souls rest in peace.
You are a hero. ❤
I applaud your courage. It must be an incredible feeling to know that you saved the girl's life. I am sure she and her parents think of you every day and are thankful.
That's a great story. Thank you for your courage.
So sad, beautifuly told, TOP MAN!
Be blessed 🙌 you're a champion 🏆
This was a tear jerker. Had a nephew drown in June of 72. He died a few days after his 2nd bday. 😢. Tragic when these little babies don't even get a chance at life. R.I.P.
Rest In Peace sweet baby Micheal. When I lost my 3 month old baby girl years ago, someone who had lost her adult son told me that “at least I did not have many memories with her unlike her memories with her son.” And that’s why she is saying her grief is more intense than mine. Truth is…no matter the amount of time you have with your child, it is never enough. Infant or adult, you are not supposed to lose your child. The length of time you know someone doesn’t diminish the love you feel for them, and the impact of the loss. Both losses create a big hole in your life, one that you knew, one that you dreamed of.
I was told the same when my infant son died. I explained to her exactly what you said. I also told her at least she had memories to hold on to. I was robbed of all the first...first steps, first hair cut, first words, first day of school, first date, and the list is endless. Losing a child is the hardest thing I ever went through. 34 years later and the pain can still bring me to my knees. My heart goes out to every parent who has lost a child, no matter what their age.
I feel the same as you so that’s whenever my husband said that it’s worse loosing them older than young I kinda snapped on him. Love is love period
SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSES : (😢😢
That was a pretty cruel thing for that woman to say to you. Both losses are horrible
Both kind of losses of a child are horrible. The what was. And the what never was
Rest in peace in the arms of our Lord Little Michael McDonald & everyone. My opinion: At times life can be so cruel & heartless. It is times like this some people may turn their backs on God our Lord & blame him. However, this is the time to embrace Our Lord. For the evil one will try anything to turn us away from God Our Lord. Never forget this. Stay safe Sir & everyone. Sending virtual hugs to you all.
It's amazing his body was found. Im glad the parents were able to bury him rather than gave him lost forever. Poor baby 💔
RIP Michael💙 He is with his parents now. That would be so horrible. When my oldest was about 8 months old we were on the beach in Charleston, S.C. and a wave took her out if her father's hands. ( he did not have her tightly, he was letting her kinda bob around) Every time I reached for her the wave took her a little farther. It was like the ocean was playing keep away from us. John( the father) finally grabbed her. Whew! I was about in hysterics over that. I cannot imagine what Little Michael's parents was going through.
Omg what a nightmare! So happy for you guys that you were able to grab a hold of your baby again 😢❤
God bless your family! I'm so glad you got your baby back!
Rest in peace Micheal .I know my mum who died of cancer wiil hug you and my brother who died 2006 wil play with you 😢
This is why I dont think you should take babies out in the ocean.
My Dad apparantly did that with me as a baby and when my mom told me that all I could think is...I could have died. Even if its only knee deep, you just need a powerful wave to knock you down and the baby and that baby could be lost out to sea..
How horribly sad! Anyone who is a parent (and even who isn’t) will be moved by this story.😢 Thank you, Ron
I would be dead
Made me cry thinking of Michael 😢
You said it beautifully “ God took you out to sea, little man. & he decided to keep you.” What a beautifully heartbreaking statement. That one really got me.
Rest peacefully sweet baby Michael. Very nicely done, Mr. Ron.
I can't imagine, such a sad and tragic event! The tears are still coming. He has been in God's care, waiting for his parents to be with him, and they are finally reunited. Through the sadness, this has been a beautiful video, Ron! Thank you for sharing Michael's story!
God made this Earth that gives us life through sun, rain, air and fire. Those same elements can take it away too!
That’s not what happens, read the bible😉
Gosh Ron, you always manage to choke me up with your kind words” my little man” starts the tears to well up when I think about that awful memory so long ago even before me. Bless you Ron your s hell of a guy.
Oh, the anguish on his momma's face! I cannot imagine the grief his parents went through. Part of me would die....
Most parents would’ve gone in the surf to find their child. Maybe dying also in the process but I know I wouldn’t just stand there in my pretty dry dress
@@cjhoward409 El padre quería entrar al agua para buscarlo pero se lo impidieron. De todos modos para ese momento ya era tarde.
@@marier6712jc
What a beautiful baby. It's really hard to lose a child especially one that little. He didn't even have time to get his second teeth yet. Rest well sweet little baby boy. Be at peace and reunited with the rest of your family. 😢❤
I can’t imagine the grief and guilt that his parents must have felt for not holding him, or at least, his hand.
A tragic accident.
I wonder if they went on to have any more children. 💔RIP Sweet Baby Michael McDonald❣️
🧸🎈💛👼🏻🕊️
Sadly little ones get away sometimes It's a very sad story😊
Actually their 14 year old daughter, Sarah, was the one who was supposed to be watching him. They had a 14 year old daughter and Michael. She took him down to the water to build a sandcastle and then wasn’t watching him well and he was swept away. At first the father went to see if he’d wandered back to the house. While he was gone the mother saw the baby bobbing far out in the water. She couldn’t do anything to reach him.
@@raincheck01omg how heartbreaking 💔
@@raincheck01this is why you dont just leave your kids to be watched by the oldest kids. Siblings are less attentive than parents and its the parents responsibility anyway. A 14 year old doesnt want to watch her baby brother, she wants to have fun at the beach.
@@kpoppy9635 yes, it’s so sad.
Oh my,that is a heartbreaking story and place.I can't imagine how the photography handled the fame for something he wished he hadn't, but he didn't know..That place and your touching narration got me tearing up.
Losing a child is something you never get over; you just learn to live with it. 💔
I remember this story somehow... I was born in 1957, but I remember my mother telling me the story during my growing up years. Evidently it made quite an impression on her as a young mother.
Absolutely tragic. I know the pain of losing a child... though my daughter was 33 and had cancer, I don't know that I will ever get over it...
At least they are reunited now, and no more pain.
Rest In Peace
So sorry for your loss
Tragic story. Seeing all those graves for the children with all the flowers and colours is truly heartbreaking. I just subscribed been watching your channel for a while now it's got amazing stories so beautifully told. Giving faces to the forgotten, not forgotten anymore thanks to you.
Such a sad story. I know how you can take your eyes off of a child that age and how scared those moments can be. I can only imagine how much guilt the parents must have felt. I’m sorry for their loss and hope they kept Michaels memories alive. They are all now joined together again. R I P Little Michael 🙏❤️. I often set here thinking of my baby cousin who is buried in a different baby land cemetery. I was a little girl about 6-7 years old and I didn’t know about death in a way I would soon learn but never forget. Tammy was 3 months old laying in a white casket, white bonnet and dress. I thought she was a doll while looking at her with my parents I went to lift up her dress and my mom gently took my hand away. It was to late I had seen to much. I still see it. I seen my Aunt and said with all that Science has come so far (6 decades) do you think Tammy would have a chance. She said so matter of fact “NO”. I hope that they do. This is such a heartbreaking 💔 story, the pain, the blame, the why’s, the if that the parents must’ve went through until they joined Michael again. May God Bless all of the Parents, Siblings and other family members. 🙏❤️✝️
How do you go on after losing a child? I cannot imagine what the parents went through. RIP little Michael.
My parents lost my brother at 38 to cancer. 17 years later they died grieving.
Well, life is tough. You never know what will happen in life, in your life too.
You go on very easily. Child is a lot of work and stress.
My eyes wilted up with tears on this. Thank you Ron for this. 😢
4:15. Why Are Those 3 guys Smiling. That Couple is Distraught that their Baby had Drowned
Poor lil baby rest in peace 🙏😇👼. Michael McDonald!! Ty for sharing this sad story Ron. .. Mary from Arkansas 😊❤...very tragic !
Such a sad but, true story! R.I.P. Michael! Thank you for sharing this, Ron!
To lose a loved one is hard enough but I can’t imagine losing a child that would be so devastating and something I don’t think you can ever get over emotionally or mentally rest in peace,little Michael, and now mom and dad are with you , thanks for sharing this sad beautiful story ❤🙏🏽🌺
I can just imagine she was trying to go into the surf to get him and looks like the husband is holding her back, for her own safety😢
Actually, it was the opposite the father came home from work, and he went to try to find their son
We remember you today Michael. On the eve of a new year. And your mum and dad who never stopped hurting for you ❤
What a cute little boy, how tragic, those poor parents. I'm glad he was found, would have been double heart ache for the parents to not see him ever again. They had closure but had to live with that the rest of their lives. RIP Little Michael McDonald. Thank you Ron for sharing this. Take care.
The babyland in Highland Lawn Cemetery in Terre Haute, IN, just leaves you feeling a deep sense of sadness.
I was watching The TV Guide channel (late 90’s) and saw a listing/description that read “Michael McDonald swept out to sea” and I immediately thought about the guy from The Doobie Brothers.
It was a short documentary about tragic photos and that’s how I originally discovered this story.
It must be really hard to walk in a cemetery & see all these Baby Graves. What a tragic story about a precious little boy Michael being swept out by the surf. You would never get over that. They say time heals, it depends on the person.😿
What a sad and tragic story. that forever changed these parents, I'm sure. That poor photographer who took an innocent picture not knowing of the horror that was taking place. This cemetery is beautiful. I'll bet that baby section looks especially touching when viewing a picture that's taken from above. That baby was beautiful. It's unusual to see a picture from that era in color like that. RIP little Michael. I'm so sorry for what happened to you but glad that you are with your mom and dad now, and I'm sure they are too ❤ 💐
Photo was colorized the original photo was in black n white posted in the Los Angeles Times Apr. 3rd, 1954
This one brought tears to my eyes. I trust though that the little guy and his parents have been united once again on the other side. Five stars to the management of that cemetery! They are doing a phenomenal job of taking care of the grounds and graves! Beautiful! As always, thank you Ron!
Your wording, compassion, and deliverance of the facts is awesome.
That was a very nice tribute for an unimaginable tragedy. Thanks for reminding us how precious our families are. Things can change in an instant, make every day matter!
This was so sad. Reminds me of the little boy that was at Disney and was attacked and killed by an alligator in an instant.
One day I was hanging clothes and my three year old son and dog were playing. I dashed in the house to get more clothes pins and my son and dog were gone. They walked through the woods to the place next door and my other neighbor ran like !tightening and instinctively ran to the pond and found them. It was a matter of a few minutes! They were standing at the edge. It was a miracle.
What a tragic story 😢. It is hard to hold back tears on this journey, Ron. It is a beautiful, well kept cemetary. Just imagine that photographer taking that picture and finding out what happened later. I believe Michael is an angel in heaven and that he has been joined with his parents. Thank you Ron for another walk through the past to help another face to always be remembered ❤❤.
Beautiful cemetery.
The first time I saw this photograph was at the Newseum in Washington DC.
The Newseum had a display of every Pulitzer Prize winning photo. Nearly all of them were very dramatic in some way, but when I saw the picture of Michael McDonald’s parents, with the knowledge that their son was almost certainly already dead, and the shock, grief, guilt and sheer helplessness on their faces was so massive, I couldn’t get this out of my mind for years.
Being a mother of three, I couldn’t help but imagine what my own feelings would have been, other than that I know my own shock and grief would have been every bit as profound.
May they all rest in peace.
How tragic this story is. RIP little man.😥
This was a 😢story RIP little man,thanks for sharing this Ron.
I could not imagine living for so long with that tragedy as a parent. The birthdays with no candle wishes, the thoughts of what your child could have become, how they would of looked as they grew up, the missed opportunity of seeing them change from being a child to becoming a parent themselves. That pain never really goes away, you just get use to carrying it. The long wait to see their little boy again is over and they can rest in peace now. Thank you for sharing this story.
I remember seeing this picture and thinking...."That woman's face says it all", the look of desperation, I think every mother remembers a time when their child got away from them for only 1 second and that feeling hits you right to the core.
Ron, you truly are 1 in a million. Thanks for sharing so many stories of so many people who I’m sure are looking down from above with deep gratitude for all that you do.
Very sad story but beautifully and tastefully done. Thanks Ron. 🦋❤️
Wow, I have never seen such a beautifully maintained and welcoming cemetery.....simply breath-taking!!!
God always has a time and place we do not know when it will be. So sorry Michael and may you rest in the arms of our Father in heaven...sweet baby boy....😢😢🙏❤
What a sad unfortunate tragedy…your words are just so beautiful at the end…💔
I'm a reservation in Southern California, close to San Diego, I'm 65 years old and I still find it odd that the graves are flat, our graves are mounds. This poor baby, he had to have been so scared. I can't even begin to imagine what his parents went through, they were right there but couldn't save him, the only good thing is at least they found his little body and he was given a proper funeral. He was such a beautiful little boy.
This is so sad but thank you for telling his story and for being so sensitive and loving when talking about these people and their families ♥️🥺
What a heartbreaker. Beautifully told Ron. Thank you for sharing.
Your words at the end of the video made me cry. And the clouds..beautiful..R.I.P. 🌿
What a lovely gesture of remembrance that has surely blessed the hearts of many who have lost a loved one much too soon. Thank you.🙏🏽
✨🕊✨
That picture is heartbreaking. RIP Little Michael. Thank you for covering this in such a touching way as always.
Thanks Ron! I knew you would do an amazing job covering this one!
How tragic and how easily this could happen to anyone.
Sorry but no,has never happened to me because I would never go in far in the sea with my son always have his hand could of been avoided
How heartbreaking. My grandson is this age…. Not sure how a person could go on😢
I’ve always seen that picture circulate of the couple at the beach and it was always portrayed as a couple in love playing around in the water. Little did we know that there was something darker behind that photo and so sad. Thank you for enlightening us as to the backstory. I simply can’t imagine they’re pain, now they are all together again
Really because you can see that they look distressed.
@@teijaflink2226 I know. I thought the same thing. I had seen it a long time ago and it was in with a bunch of other vintage photos here on UA-cam and it was a voiceover mentioning how this couple was being playful on the beach and I looked at the picture but they didn’t look like they were having fun, so I was just always confused by it until now, hearing the tragic backstory. So heartbreaking.
What a beautifully well kept cemetery. Just about to dive in to the sad story. A terrible thing to have to live with, losing a little one like that. Truly heartbreaking. 😞
I collect old magazines and read about this sad story on one of them. That picture remained in my memory!
Oh no! So sad. Thank you for giving us this story, Ron❤️
How tragic for the McDonald family. Thank you again Ron for another story. What a melancholic yet beautiful graveyard. Stay safe and keep well.
Very sad story. Thank you for for your time.
Thank's for sharing ron......
Tragic....but thank God we have you being so full of dignity talking the real life stories. Thank you and wish you all the best from the other part of the world
RIP to all 3 of them. This reminds me of the little boy taken by the alligator at Disney. Sad times.
Thanks for sharing 🙏 Much love from Debra in Maine 🥰
What a terribly sad 😔 😟 story. RIP 🙏 baby Michael. 👼 Thanks 😊 as always Ron!
That cloud. I see a forearm and hand of a baby with its pinky finger straightened out. ❤
Absolutely perfect after telling this story. I am sure baby Michael reached out as he drown. 😢
So very sad.
RIP little baby Michael oh my goodness this is so sad I love the beautiful pictures. That you show on your videos. Little baby Michael McDonald rest in heaven beautiful amazing picture of Michael. You're with your parents now their at peace I also love the music with the videos. It makes me shed tears watching these videos. I love all of your hard work and you going to their graves you give them a voice GOD Bless you Mr. Rob I'm a big fan of yours I've been watching you for a couple of years now keep up the good work. Be safe and take care see you on the next upload your very appreciated your such a blessing love you ❤❤❤❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏🙏🌹
Great video Ron. Very sad. RIP little man.
Rip to you and family so sad you went so soon Bless you🕊️🙏🕊️🙏🕊️
My family and I love your channel! We have been following it for quite a long time. Newfoundland has some great stories across the province. Maybe you’ll start to come up east?! Cheers!
Love you as always!
I was born in So cal and played there in the summers even when I was living in Northern Cal - I heard this story from my father and was reminded to be more vigilant with my son as a wee kid. My son is now 34 and a surfer when not being an ER Doctor!
This story still gets me to this day
That is so sad. Thanks for telling his story Ron.
I either heard or read about the story before. I remember when my two now-grown kids were toddlers. They really can get away from you quite easily. I couldn't imagine the complete anguish they went through. So terribly sad. Thank you for this one.
R.I.P. to the sweet baby boy. 😢
Ron such a sad and tragic story😢, but this family are now finally reunited Rip🙏 thank you for sharing this.
I always look forward to your videos. God bless you a UK fan🇬🇧......
This makes me cry 😢
What a sad story. I can’t imagine the anguish of his poor parents. Little Michael was only a year older than me. May this precious baby rest in peace.
So sad rip
You are an angel. With u NOONE IS FORGOTTON i lovevya❤
Very sad story and Tragic. R.I.P little Michael. Thank you Ron for this sad story
Thank you Ron for telling Michael’s story even though he had a short life he mattered!
Sad story of the little boy thanks Ron for sharing this story with us rip little angel 😇
So many Angel's buried there.....very pretty cementary....🙏🙏🙏
That so very sad. Hope his little soul is resting in peace. 🇺🇲☮️🪦
Beautiful story and a tragic story all in one 💔Beautifully done Ron. I also do the same thing when I’m in a cemetery I try not to step on someone’s grave but like you said there are a lot of unmarked graves so what’s a person to do??
I understand their anguish, lost a child of 5 years. Yesterday was her birthday. Faith and counseling is a big help, but the sorrow remains. Rest in peace, sweet baby child.
@shirleyashanti3031
So very sorry for your loss...
❤
Well said and well done. Thank you.
RIP Little Man and hope your reunited with family now
Tragic! Thanks Ron.
R.I.P little boy ❤, it must have been devastating to go home and live without him, I’m 63 and has never swam in the sea it’s a frightening place 😢
I agree! don't like the ocean!
At least he was recovered and now rests with his parents ,R.IP thanks again Ron stay safe mate,🙏🙏👋🇦🇺
I do believe that may be devastated moments should not be for someone else's amusement and seeing that man smile so big over that picture that this poor couple was going to the worst hell in their whole life
I actually agree with you. Good point
U told the story so well with heart warmth words
May they rest in peace 🙏 Thank you for sharing
Aww, such a heart wrenching story, Rest In Peace little Michael and his family❤😇😇😇
I can't imagine the heartache.