18-year-old from Columbus drowned in North Carolina

NAGS HEAD, NC — An 18-year-old Columbus man apparently drowned while visiting North Carolina Wednesday afternoon, according to a Nags Head city spokesman.

According to a news release from Nags Head authorities, local fire and rescue crews were called to the public beach access on Gull Street just after 2:50 p.m. for a report of three swimmers in distress. Two swimmers were able to return to shore and one was assisted by a lifeguard. They were both transported to a hospital for medical evaluation.

A Nags Head Police officer used a drone to locate the third swimmer and was successful in locating him in the water. The man was brought to shore by lifeguards and taken to the hospital.

Upon arrival at the hospital, the 18-year-old was pronounced dead.

The man’s name was not released.