Man drowns trying to save daughters in rip current off NC beach

ATLANTIC BEACH, N.C. — Officials say a Virginia real estate broker drowned off the North Carolina coast, with bystanders saying he was trying to save his daughters from a rip current.

The Carteret County News-Times reports Atlantic Beach Fire/EMS Chief Adam Snyder said 48-year-old Charles Austin Joy was in cardiac arrest when emergency personnel responded to a call at Atlantic Beach on Friday. Snyder said responders attempted to revive Joy, but the Beaverdam, Virginia, man died at a local hospital.

Bystanders told the newspaper Joy swam out to get his two daughters, who had been caught in a rip current. The two girls were brought safely back to shore.

Snyder said his department had posted warnings of moderate surf and currents, meaning swimmers should use caution. The incident occurred after lifeguards went off duty.

Associated Press