Morris County Man, 18, Identified as Sea Bright Rip Current Victim

Despite lifeguards’ best efforts to pull a man from a strong rip current in Sea Bright earlier this week, the 18-year-old died late Monday at Monmouth Medical Center.

The Rockaway man, Kevin Searfoss, was swimming with another person in an unguarded section of the Sea Bright beach during the early afternoon Monday, according to multiple reports, when he began to battle a rip current. Lifeguards were notified and pulled Searfoss from the water. He was then taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead at 11 p.m. Monday.

Searfoss graduated Morris Knolls High School in June and turned 18 at the end of July, according to his obituary. He was set to attend Drexel University in the fall.

“He enjoyed hanging with his friends, Anime, League of Legends, gaming and music. He was a talented artist, writer, and all around good soul. He will be missed greatly by everyone who had the fortune of knowing him,” the obituary said.

A Kevin Searfoss Memorial Group was created this week on Facebook for friends and family to share memories of the teen.

“So sad … Kevin was quiet in class, but at the end of the school year, his senior reflection speech was amazing! He was so funny, and he went all out with the power point. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends,” wrote Sharon Cullen Garry.

Searfoss is survived by his parents, John and Judy, three siblings and a large extended family.

A service to honor his life will be celebrated on Saturday, Aug. 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue in Denville. Visitation will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. that day.