New Jersey Man Dies After Being Pulled From the Water at Seaside Park Beach

A 54-year-old Whippany man was found dead in the ocean near Seaside Park on Saturday morning. A beachgoer on 8th Avenue called 911 at 11:52 a.m. to report a diver in danger.

Water rescuer firefighters saved swimmer John DeVone. First responders started CPR on DeVone despite his inactivity. He died at Toms River Community Medical Center after being admitted.

The Jersey Shore beaches where this tragedy occurred had no lifeguards because the season was gone. The weekend before, hurricanes Humberto and Imelda made ocean tides dangerous. Authorities have warned of these currents.

Local officials advise beachgoers to avoid areas where they can’t swim safely during rough wave or ocean warnings. The tragic death of DeVone has revived conversation about beach safety and end-of-season waves.

Sources
Seaside Park Police Department
Community Medical Center, Toms River
National Weather Service reports on coastal conditions