Three swimmers die in Panama City Beach, BCSO officials say | WDHN

WMBB-TV staff and Richard Everett

17 mins ago

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WMBB) – Three Alabama men have died after being caught in rip currents in the Gulf of Mexico, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office said.

On Friday, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call reporting three swimmers in distress in the water behind the Watercress Condominiums at 6201 Thomas Drive.

The three swimmers were found and pulled from the water.

According to a press release, the three men were identified as 25-year-old Denzel Hunter, 24-year-old Jemonda Ray and 24-year-old Marius Richardson. They were all from Birmingham, Alabama

The Bay County Sheriff’s Office confirmed shortly before 11:30 p.m. that all three men had died in local hospitals.

“It is with deep sadness that we announce that all three young men who entered the water and became distressed around 8 p.m. today have passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families,” said Sheriff Ford. “I would like to thank Bay County Emergency Services, FWC and Coast Guard for their assistance in the rescue efforts.”

Authorities said all three men arrived in Panama City Beach with their group of friends on Friday afternoon. They checked into their rental vehicle and rushed out to get in the water, and shortly after became caught in a rip current, authorities wrote.

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UPDATE, as of 9:33 p.m. – One swimmer has been located and recovered from the Gulf. He is receiving medical treatment, two others are still missing.

The BCSO is utilizing the air unit and working with the Coast Guard and FWC to locate the two missing men.

UPDATE as of 10:33 p.m. – One of the two missing swimmers has been found and recovered from the waters of the Gulf and is receiving medical treatment. Another swimmer remains missing.

The search continues near Watercress Condominiums, where the three people were reported in distress shortly after 8 p.m.

UPDATE, as of 10:41 p.m. – The third missing swimmer has been found and is receiving medical treatment. One of the three swimmers in distress has died.

UPDATE at 23:21 – All three swimmers in distress were found and taken to local hospitals.