The body of a teen who helped two friends caught in rough water and was pulled in himself was recovered on Saturday in Atlantic City.
Jalan Alston, 18, was swimming with two friends Friday night when they were caught in rough waters brought in by Tropical Storm Fay, WCAU reported. When the two women started to struggle he pushed them toward shore but was pulled under, NJ.com reported.
"Let it be known my brother was a hero," Alston's brother Mark told WCAU.
Last evening my kid brother was lost at sea on the northeast coast . I’m praying we find him and I’m posting this picture so that those near water can be on a lookout for him, his name is Jalan Alston, all I want is for him to be found. @USCGNortheast pic.twitter.com/9mXfNeBDlA
— Mark A. (@Calamarky) July 11, 2020
Alston's body was found around 6:20 p.m. Saturday after officials had called off their search Saturday night, NJ.com reported. Neither of Alston's friends were injured.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Jalan,” Capt. Jonathan Theel, commander of Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay, told WCAU. “It’s always difficult to suspend a case and it weighs especially heavy on our hearts knowing that he was helping others.”
Officials believe the weather was a factor.
“The surf conditions that evening were rough with dangerous rip currents from Tropical Storm Fay and we suspect that played a part in this tragic event,” Ventnor police Capt. Joe Fussner said.
To everyone who witnessed the events that unfolded on the beaches of Ventnor Friday Evening, I thank you. You observed,...
Posted by Ventnor City Police Department on Sunday, July 12, 2020
Mark Alston said his brother, who competed in track and field, was a recent graduate from George Westinghouse High School in New York, NJ.com reported.
“He made the ultimate sacrifice,” Alston said. “He is truly selfless and has always been that way — he’s the type of person that will try to do anything you ask of him of him and he would always come through.”
Cox Media Group