A teenage Cape May lifeguard died a day after he was critically injured after his boat flipped over.
Norman Inferrera III, 16, was rowing a lifeguard boat Thursday in the ocean off Reading Avenue, when a wave flipped the boat, and the teen was knocked unconscious, according to a preliminary report.
He suffered extensive brain damage, along with damage to his lung and liver, two broken collarbones, broken ribs and a serious eye injury, his aunt wrote in a GoFundMe post.
"The Lord called my beautiful nephew Norman home last night," Kathleen Inferrera Price wrote Saturday. "The family is overwhelmed with sorrow. The bright light in this tragedy is the support and prayers that have been pouring in. We send love and blessings to each and every one of you."
Beach Patrol Chief Harry Back remembered Norman as a beloved member of the patrol.
"Norman had a permanent smile on his face and was living out his dream to be a lifeguard," Back said.
“My heart, prayers, and condolences go out to the Inferrera family," Mayor Zachary Mullock said. “Even at such a young age, Norman was loved by his fellow Lifeguards. No words can express the sadness suffered by all of our Beach Patrol family. \
"Norman chose to protect others," the mayor continued. "He did so professionally and worked hard at it. That is an extraordinary attribute for anyone, especially at 16 years old."
City Manager Mike Voll lauded the actions of Back and the entire Beach Patrol who "have shown the utmost professionalism, while simultaneously providing care to all those touched so deeply by Norman.
He also thanked surrounding beach patrols "who gave their valuable assets and gave our patrol help in this time of need.”
The officials also encouraged "those needing an ear to listen or a shoulder to lean on, to reach out to their support system and seek counseling."
Grief counselors have been provided to Beach Patrol staff.
The GoFundMe with a goal of $15,000 has surpassed. $90,000.
My name is Kathleen Price The aunt of Norman. While conducting a routine … Kathleen Inferrera Price needs your support for 16 yr old Lifeguard loses his life Read More
