 |
A 49-year old Georgia man who tried to help his daughter and her friend struggling in rough surf in the Gulf of Mexico this morning was unable to get back to shore safely.
James Forsythe was pronounced dead at the Destin Emergency Room, a victim of an apparent drowning.
Witnesses say Forsythe disappeared in the water around 11:30 a.m. after trying to rescue the girls behind 3450 Scenic Highway 98 near Destin.
He was later spotted floating face down.
A lifeguard was able to pull him to shore, but Forsythe could not be saved.
Rough waters and rip currents led to the need for numerous water rescues along Destin and Okaloosa Island beaches.
Due to the conditions, Okaloosa County officials decided around 1 p.m. to put up double red flags, temporarily closing the Gulf to all swimming.
###
