1 dead, 2 hospitalized following Avon-by-the-Sea water rescue

Police say rescuers from multiple agencies responded to the Shark River Inlet Sunday.

Toniann Antonelli

Sep 23, 2024, 10:28 AM

Updated 3 hr ago

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A Pennsylvania man died after being pulled from the Shark River Inlet in Avon-by-the-Sea Sunday evening, police say.
According to the Avon-by-the-Sea Police Department, officers were called to the Washington Avenue Beach at approximately 6:34 p.m. after receiving reports of swimmers in distress. First responders immediately entered the water in an effort to bring the swimmers to shore.
Two of the victims were located by rescue swimmers and pulled from the water. Both were transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center for evaluation. Police have not provided information on their conditions or the extent of their injuries.
A short time later, at approximately 6:46 p.m., a third victim was located submerged in the Shark River Inlet, police said in a statement. The swimmer was identified as a 55-year-old male from Pottstown, Pennsylvania.
"He was brought to shore where lifesaving efforts began. He was subsequently transported to JSUMC where he was pronounced deceased," police said in a press release.
The identity of the victim has not been released.
Multiple agencies responded to the beach to provide assistance during the rescue, police said, including police and first aid units from Avon-by-the-Sea, Belmar, Neptune City and Bradley Beach. Crews from the United States Coast Guard and Area Network of Shore Water Emergency Responders also rendered assistance.