Man Dies After Slipping, Plunging Into Manasquan Inlet

MANASQUAN – A man died after slipping and plunging into the Manasquan Inlet on Sunday, according to authorities. His two sons also were hurt while trying to save him.

Jooha Lee, who was visiting from Canada and fishing with his two sons on the Manasquan jetty, fell and hit his head before plunging into the inlet, according to Manasquan Mayor Ed Donovan.

Lee, whose age was unknown, was later pronounced dead at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, Donovan said. The incident happened around 4:41 p.m. Sunday.

Emergency personnel arrived at that time and found Lee’s sons around the base of the jetty, trying to help their father up, according to nj.com. The lower portion of the jetty was flooding, the report said, and the sons did not speak much English, making any communication with emergency personnel difficult.

Lee ultimately was pulled out of the water and onto the rocks by lifeguards and the Manasquan Fire Department, Police Sgt. Bill Sutton told The Asbury Park Press.

The conditions of his sons were unknown at press time.

The inlet has heavy boat traffic and many believe the waterway has strong currents and whirlpools that could be dangerous to swimmers.

This is a developing story. Patch will have information as it comes in.