BERLIN, Md. — An 18-year-old Virginia resident died after being pulled from the ocean at Assateague Island National Seashore last week, park officials confirmed Tuesday.
Cresencio Lucas Chavez Velasquez of Parksley, Virginia, was swimming near the southern end of the Chincoteague Beach parking lot on July 24 when he became distressed in the water, according to the National Park Service.
At approximately 4:15 p.m., a relative alerted lifeguards that two swimmers were struggling offshore. One individual was rescued, but Velasquez was found unconscious and unresponsive. CPR was initiated immediately at the scene, and he was transported by ambulance to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The incident occurred about 150 yards south of the designated lifeguarded swimming area. Despite this, lifeguards responded swiftly, along with assistance from park law enforcement, U.S. Fish and Wildlife personnel, state responders, and contracted lifeguards.
Park Superintendent Hugh Hawthorne acknowledged the efforts of the rescue teams and urged caution. “We ask our visitors to never venture too far from shore and pay attention to wind and currents which can transport you long distances quickly,” the park said in a statement.
