Emergency services were called to the Pelican Way beach access in the Sanderling area of the Town of Duck at 4:22 p.m. on Monday, September 30 for a swimmer that was no longer visible from the beach.

According to a release from the Town of Duck, an ocean rescue supervisor who was off duty but in the area saw what he thought to be a swimmer in distress and alerted emergency services. Lifeguards on patrol responded within minutes of receiving the call and pulled an unresponsive 58-year-old male from the water.

Duck Surf Rescue, Duck Fire and Police and Dare County EMS initiated CPR and other lifesaving measures immediately. Despite these efforts, at 5 p.m. Dare County EMS, under the authority of medical control, pronounced the individual dead on scene.

While the exact factors that caused the death are unknown, Monday’s surf conditions and a rip current in the area were likely a factor, said the statement from the town.

The deceased has been identified as Dr. William Lapenta of the National Weather Service. Gallop Funeral home is handling arrangements for the family.

READ ABOUT MORE NEWS AND EVENTS HERE.

RECENT HEADLINES:

Police officer charged with assault on a female

Two charged in connection with 2018 Southern Shores overdose death