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The 18-year-old from Columbus, Ohio who was reported dead after being pulled from the ocean in Nags Head on July 3 has been identified as Ibrahim Salam Sankoh, according to the Town of Nags Head.

The town initially reported the incident on July 3, 2024. The update on Sankoh’s identification was issued July 8.

According to a Town of Nags Head news release issued July 3, at around 2:51 p.m., Nags Head’s Fire and Rescue and Police departments were dispatched to the Gull Street public beach access in the 7100 block of South Virginia Dare Trail for three swimmers in distress.

“Two of the swimmers successfully returned to shore, with one being assisted by a Nags Head lifeguard. Both individuals were promptly transported to The Outer Banks Hospital for medical evaluation. The third swimmer could not be immediately located,” stated the release.

“Aerial support was requested, but before their arrival, a Nags Head police officer deployed a drone, successfully locating the missing swimmer. The individual was then brought to shore by a Nags Head lifeguards and transported to The Outer Banks Hospital by Dare County EMS,” the release continued. “Despite the rapid response and medical intervention, the swimmer was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.”

Sankoh’s name was not released at the time of the initial report.

“The Town of Nags Head’s thoughts are with the man’s family and friends after this tragic event,” stated the release. “Thank you to Kill Devil Hills Ocean Rescue for their assistance.”

For local information on water and beach safety, go to LovetheBeachRespecttheOcean.com.

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