North Wildwood swimmer dies after being rescued by surfers

A 21-year-old man, identified as Ahmet Yimenici of Turkey, died after being pulled from the ocean at a beach in North Wildwood, New Jersey, on Thursday afternoon.

Witnesses reported that a group of surfers and bystanders rushed to assist the swimmer in distress near 2nd and Ocean Avenues around 2 p.m. The rescuers performed CPR before emergency crews arrived on the scene. Yimenici was later pronounced dead at Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional.

North Wildwood Police Chief Katherine Madden praised the quick actions of the civilians, stating their willingness to act gave the young man the best possible chance. The incident occurred at an unguarded beach, as lifeguards are no longer on duty following the end of the summer season.