“He died trying to save others,” the department said in a tribute posted to social media.

Childers, originally from Kennesaw, Georgia, was living in Paulding County and had previously served as a uniformed patrol officer with the Cobb County Police Department for more than three years, KBTX reports.

Before his law enforcement career, Childers was known for his talent on the baseball field. He played at North Cobb Christian School and later Georgia State University, eventually being drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 2009. He went on to play in the Orioles’ minor league system, according to Major League Baseball.

“We are saddened to learn of Chase’s passing and send our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones,” the Orioles said in a statement.

Tragically, the rescue effort unfolded in front of Childers’ wife and three children. While he succeeded in helping save a family