One of four people who were rescued from the water Sunday near the Bogue Inlet Pier has died, according to Emerald Isle Police Chief Tony Reece.
Robert Patterson Jr., was at the beach with his family when he and three other people were caught in a rip current. Emerald Isle Fire Chief Bill Walker said, around 2pm, they got a call about four people in need of help in the water.
By the time first responders arrived, surfers had already been pulled the swimmers onshore.
CPR was then administered to Patterson who remained unconscious. Patterson was taken to CarolinaEast Medical Center in Carteret County. His condition was listed as critical.
Tuesday, Patterson's family confirmed that he had died, Chief Reece tells WFMY News 2. He was from Jacksonville, N.C.
According to the Emerald Isle Fire Department, the beach was flying yellow flags Sunday afternoon indicating potentially high surf or dangerous currents.
The Emerald Isle Police Department posted a yellow flag with a caution on its Facebook page Sunday.