Victim In Ocean Drowning Identified

by Patricia A. Miller

The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office has identified the 22-year-old man who drowned in the surf off Mantoloking on the Fourth of July.

The body of John A. Crimmins of Yonkers, New York was found in the surf off Strickland Street in Bay Head. Crimmins had been swimming with friends when he suddenly disappeared from sight, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office spokesman Al Della Fave has said.

Lifeguards made a 911 call at 2:35 p.m. A massive search by the U. S. Coast Guard, New Jersey State Police and fire and first aid units from surrounding towns was launched, Della Fave said.

Lifeguards from the Bay Head Improvement Association found Crimmins unresponsive in the surf off Strickland Avenue in Bay Head. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was begun immediately. Ocean County Detective Mitch Remig and Point Pleasant Beach First Aid took over CPR, he said.

Crimmins was taken to Brick Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival, Della Fave said.