28-year-old visitor dies in water off Avon

By on September 4, 2023

(National Park Service)

This sad announcement was made by the National Park Service on the afternoon of Monday, Sept. 4

A 28-year-old woman from Washington, D.C., died this afternoon in a water-related incident in front of the village of Avon at Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore).

Additional details:
  • At approximately 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 4, a 911 call was placed to report an unresponsive visitor in the ocean in the northern section of the village of Avon.
  • A witness stated that the 28-year-old woman was overtaken by strong waves and disappeared in the surf.
  • Shortly after disappearing in the surf, the victim was observed face-down in rough ocean conditions.
  • A bystander and bodyboarder, Dare County Emergency Medical Services, Hatteras Island Rescue Squad and Seashore law enforcement rangers responded to the incident.
  • A bystander and visitor with a body board assisted with bringing the woman to shore.
  • Unfortunately, cardiopulmonary resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.
  • Ocean conditions in the area were reported to be rough with a high risk of rip currents.

“The Seashore’s thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends after this tragic event,” said National Parks of Eastern North Carolina Superintendent David Hallac.

 

Comments

  • Glenn

    So very hard to read about this tragic loss. May she Rest in Peace…prayers for surviving family members & friends. Very sad.

    Monday, Sep 4 @ 7:21 pm

  • Surf123

    The ocean is dangerous to those who are not knowledgeable and/ marginal swimmers when there is wave action like the past week. All of that water has to get back into the ocean somehow. I hauled an older man in last Sunday who was drowning and once ashore he could not stand up as his legs were exhausted from treading water. A family member was headed out to attempt to help him but I waived him off as it was apparent his swimming capabilities were less than the ocean required.

    Tuesday, Sep 5 @ 8:10 am

  • Cynthia McLaughlin

    Weren’t the red flags flying?

    Tuesday, Sep 5 @ 10:51 am

  • Spicy Brown Spray

    Surf123, thank you for your service!

    Tuesday, Sep 5 @ 1:01 pm