Ex-NFL player under 11 dead after dangerous electrical surges

FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida –

A former NFL quarterback, a Georgia firefighter and two fathers who drowned while trying to save their children are among at least 11 recent victims of dangerous wave currents along the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico that stretch from Florida’s Panhandle to Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Many of the deaths have occurred, even as double red flags warned beachgoers of the dangers.

There have been seven deaths around Panama City Beach since mid-June, including ex-NFL quarterback Ryan Mallett, who drowned Tuesday in nearby Destin.

Officials hope beachgoers will take extra precautions as the busy July 4 holiday approaches.