A 21-year-old who was reportedly attempting to save others caught in a rip current off Atlantic Beach on Sunday has died, hospital officials confirm.
Vidant Medical Center spokesperson Amy Holcomb confirmed 21-year-old Justin Eakes, of Greenville, died after being flown there by helicopter on Sunday.
According to the Atlantic Beach Fire Department, Eakes was among five people who were in distress when firefighters arrived at the unprotected section of the beach. The 21-year-old man and another woman needed medical attention.