Teen Who Died In Heavy Surf Identified
FT. LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – Authorities in Broward County has identified the 15-year-old boy who died Monday after he was pulled under the surf in a Hollywood state park.
The 15-year-old was identified as James Clark of Hollywood. Clark's family said they were watching him in the water off John U Lloyd state park around noon when he went under and didn't resurface.
According to police the family noticed the water was getting rough, but as they were making their way back to shore, a wave pulled the boy under.
Good Samaritans helped pull the teen from the surf and then performed chest compression until paramedics arrived.
As the paramedics pumped his chest, people on the beach gathered together to pray for the boy. The crowd wavered between cheers at a slight movement and silent prayer as police worked, every emotion shared and magnified by the entire group that surrounded the young man's family.
The boy was then taken to Memorial Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Red flags at the park and along all South Florida beaches warned beachgoers about rough surf and signs warned of dangerous rip currents.
