Georgia couple drowns during Puerto Rico vacation

ATLANTA — A Georgia couple vacationing in Puerto Rico was pronounced dead after a strong rip current caused the man and woman to drown.

According to Atlanta-based WSB-TV, Jamar and Ann Marie Robinson were swimming on Nov. 8 near their hotel in San Juan when Ann Marie got caught up in a rip current. Jamar tried to save her but was also carried out by the current. Several onlookers tried to rescue the couple but could not safely reach them, Puerto Rican news outlets reported. Paramedics who arrived at the scene tried to resuscitate the two when they were brought to shore, but the attempts were unsuccessful.

The Robinsons met in 1996 while attending Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Jamar, recognized in 2014 by then-Secretary of State Brian Kemp as an Outstanding Georgia Citizen, was the principal of Westlake High School in Atlanta. Ann Marie was an assistant professor at Georgia State University. The two recently celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary.

“We will always remember Mr. Robinson as the principal who worked tirelessly, was always upbeat, passionate, never missed a game or event and loved his students with a heart that was unmatched,” Westlake football coach Bobby May wrote on Twitter. “His vision was to inspire and motivate -- this is something we can all look to do for each other to honor his legacy. Lift up the people around you, celebrate success and encourage others to stand up when they have fallen.”

The couple is survived by their two teenage sons.

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