Cresencio Lucas Chavez Velasquez Obituary, Death News; 18-year-old who drowned near Assateague Island ID’d as Parksley resident.
Cresencio Lucas Chavez Velasquez Obituary, Death News – The young man who drowned at Assateague Island National Seashore on July 24 has been identified as 18-year-old Cresencio Lucas Chavez Velasquez, a resident of Parksley, Virginia.
The tragic incident occurred near the southern end of the Chincoteague Beach Parking Lot. Around 4:15 p.m., a family member urgently approached lifeguards stationed nearby to report that two swimmers were in distress far offshore. Lifeguards quickly responded and managed to rescue one of the swimmers. However, Cresencio was found unconscious and unresponsive in the water.
Emergency responders immediately began CPR on the scene in an attempt to revive him. He was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital, but despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Although the drowning took place about 150 yards outside the designated lifeguarded area, lifeguards on duty were quick to respond. The search and rescue efforts involved multiple agencies, including Assateague Island park law enforcement, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service personnel, contracted lifeguards, and support from Virginia state authorities.
The incident serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers of swimming in unguarded areas, even for those who may have experience in the water. Local authorities continue to urge visitors to stay within designated swimming zones and to be aware of ocean conditions at all times.
