A Columbus man tragically lost his life in an apparent drowning while visiting the Nags Head area in North Carolina’s Outer Banks. The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon when Nags Head police received a call about three swimmers in distress at the Gull Street public beach. Two of the swimmers were able to make it back to shore, but the third swimmer, an 18-year-old man visiting from Columbus, was brought to shore by a lifeguard. Despite life-saving measures, he was pronounced dead upon arrival at Outer Banks Hospital.
The National Weather Service reported moderate rip currents in the area on the day of the incident, although the exact cause of the distress of the swimmers is still unclear. The tragedy serves as a reminder of the dangers of rip currents, which can be deadly for even experienced swimmers. This heartbreaking event highlights the importance of practicing beach safety and being aware of potential hazards while enjoying the ocean.
Authorities have not released the identity of the victim, and it is unknown if the other two swimmers who survived were also from the Columbus area. The community mourns the loss of a young life and offers condolences to the family and friends of the victim during this difficult time. For further updates on the incident, please contact bbruner@gannett.com.
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