Falls Church Man Dies In Apparent Outer Banks Drowning: Officials

FALLS CHURCH, VA — Sean Chung is being remembered as a loving father who was devoted to his wife and daughter as well as a dedicated veteran of the United States Air Force after the 46-year-old Falls Church man drowned at the Outer Banks in North Carolina on Friday, friends said Tuesday.

Friends identified Chung as the man whose body was was found floating in the ocean shortly after 9:30 p.m. on Friday, according to the National Parks Service. Chung, who had not yet been identified by name on Tuesday, was discovered by a visitor at Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

The man’s family told authorities that he had been surf fishing when the drowning took place, according to a news release issued on Saturday.

"Sean always had time for his family," according to a Go Fund Me effort that was posted Tuesday and that has raised more than $17,000 as of Wednesday. "Family was truly everything to him. In fact, some of his happiest times were spent playing with (his daughter). He was the epitome of a doting father, and he loved watching (her) grow into the caring, thoughtful, and inquisitive young lady she is today. He was her strongest supporter, always encouraging her to pursue her many interests and explore new passions."

In addition to his family, Chung's service to his country is also being honored by his friends, who are hoping help support his family.

'His commitment to service never waned," the tribute said of Chung, who served with the Air Force overseas, according to the fundraising effort page. "Sean always placed others before himself and gladly lent a helping hand whenever it was needed. He was a dedicated friend and a kind and giving neighbor."

Officials also said that ocean conditions were rough at the time of the incident. Crews from the Seashore Rangers, Dare County Emergency Medical Services and Hatteras Island Rescue responded to the scene after the visitor discovered Chung's body.