A 16-year-old teenager died after drowning at Pepper Park Beach in St. Lucie County, as confirmed by the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office.
The Sheriff's Office reported on Facebook that the incident occurred yesterday. Although the teen was quickly rescued and taken to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital, they could not be saved. Authorities are investigating the event but have not released further details or the identity of the young individual, according to WPTV.
Erick Gill, director of the St. Lucie County communications division, described the conditions at Pepper Park Beach as dangerous, with red flags indicating the risks. Lifeguards were actively working to keep beachgoers near the shore due to 4 to 5 feet waves and strong rip currents, as mentioned in a statement obtained by TCPalm.
Erick Gill mentioned that the guards are usually present until about 4:45 p.m.; however, the incident occurred around 6 p.m. When the lifeguards had already departed, one lifeguard had a flat tire and came upon emergency vehicles en route back to the beach. It was after the time this lifeguard had returned to the scene that the incident had already happened and the teen was no longer in the water.
