‘Just wanted to go for a dip’: Arizona father drowns in Rocky Point after being swept away by rip current, family says

PEORIA, Ariz. — A Valley father is being remembered for his unwavering devotion to his family after he unexpectedly died in Mexico, his family told 12News.

Robert Perkins, 42, drowned at a Rocky Point beach on July 4 after being swept away by a riptide, according to his oldest daughter, Anisha Perkins.

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Anisha Perkins, 20, said her dad and a friend just planned on putting their feet in the water.

“It was really hot that day and they just wanted to go for a dip,” Anisha Perkins said. “It took a minute for (the friend) to turn around and see that my dad wasn’t there anymore.”

A fisherman found him unconscious near a rocky ledge about 45 minutes later, his daughter said.

“I ran over. I did about five rounds of CPR but that wasn’t enough to save him,” Anisha Perkins said.

Anisha Perkins said the waves were small, but crashing to the side instead of straight on.

“To us, it was just going to the beach, but to people that understand the ocean, they realized it was not a safe environment,” Anisha Perkins said.

Robert Perkins lived in Peoria but spent most of his life in his hometown of Benson.

“He was the greatest dad ever,” Anisah Perkins said. “He was always so full of joy and laughter.”

Anisah Perkins told 12News her dad was kind, caring and funny. She wants people to remember him for his smile and laughter.

“I think everyone should live their days, every single day, waking up and trying to spread joy the way that he did,” Anisah Perkins said.

A GoFundMe page was created to help pay for expenses associated with bringing Robert Perkins’ body back to the United States. Anyone who wishes to donate can click here.

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