Lieutenant Dan’s daughter cautions that the sudden influx of cash and attention following Hurricane Milton could be detrimental to her father’s well-being.
A viral hero faces unintended consequences
Joseph Malinowski, nicknamed “Lieutenant Dan,” became an unexpected hero after Hurricane Milton.
But his daughter, Ashley Ann, warns that the sudden surge of attention and money could have tragic consequences for her father.
Malinowski, a one-legged sailor from Florida, gained fame for refusing to abandon his sailboat during the hurricane.
University of Tampa student Terrence Concannon began filming Malinowski, and the videos quickly went viral on TikTok.
Concannon also started a fundraiser for the sailor, raising over $46,000.
Support and promises: a mixed reaction
Streamers and influencers quickly jumped on the story. Adin Ross even pledged to buy Malinowski a new boat.
However, Ross withdrew his offer after Malinowski’s criminal past surfaced. Despite the initial goodwill, Ashley Ann worries that this attention could harm her father rather than help him.
Ashley Ann’s concerns: fame and funds may lead to danger
On Friday, Ashley Ann uploaded an emotional TikTok, expressing her fears.
She warned that the sudden fame and financial support could lead to her father’s downfall. “Lieutenant Dan was doing just fine without all that money,” she said. Tearfully, she added, “He’s going to be dead before he can even enjoy that boat.”
A struggle with substance abuse
Ashley Ann shared deeper concerns, stating her father appeared “high” in the videos. She questioned if it was just marijuana, highlighting her worry about his substance use.
For ten years, she has been monitoring his well-being, trying to ensure he stays alive. The recent attention makes her job even harder.
As her video continued, Ashley Ann’s frustration with influencers became evident. She accused them of exploiting her father for fame. “Y’all are gonna f****** put him in the grave for making him famous,” she said. “You don’t know that man. You don’t know him at all.”
Heartfelt sympathy from followers
Viewers flooded Ashley Ann’s comments with supportive messages. Many shared similar experiences, empathizing with her pain.
One user wrote, “As a daughter of an addict, I feel this, and I’m so sorry.”
Others recognized Concannon’s initial good intentions, saying, “The first guy Terrence was seriously trying to help him. Then other people got involved and took it too far.”
@aamalinowski
Lieutenant Dan shares his side
Amidst the outpouring of support and concern, Malinowski launched his own TikTok account.
He shared his experience of surviving Hurricane Milton on his sailboat, gaining over 270,000 followers.
Despite the storm being downgraded to Category 1, Milton caused widespread damage. Savage winds damaged buildings, spawned 19 tornadoes, and left millions without power. At least 18 people lost their lives.
The story of “Lieutenant Dan” highlights the complexities of sudden fame.
While Malinowski’s resilience captivated many, the unintended consequences concern his daughter.
Ashley Ann’s warnings serve as a stark reminder of the potential harm that can come from well-meaning, but poorly thought-out, support.