This past holiday weekend a local surfer from Hubert, 31 year old Jeremy Lee Crandall laid down his life in an heroic attempt to rescue some swimmers that were in trouble in the waters off Emerald Isle. Crandall swam out to rescue a father and son in distress and passed his board to the son. After that he went under and drowned.
I was down there at the Western Regional access in Emerald Isle and noticed a lot of beach patrol vehicles mobilizing to a spot just down the beach from us. Then I noticed the fire truck towing the wave runner and saw them launch and begin searching for Crandall’s body. Later I asked one of the beach patrol members if they found him. The officer said yes and shook his head and said it didn’t look good.
After this it kind of set a solemn mood on the beach. It seemed fewer people were in the water. Anytime someone drowns it is a tragic event. But when someone drowns trying to save another person, it feels even more tragic to me. Because you know we have just lost a true hero. Someone willing to risk their life to save another’s that they likely didn’t even know.
My prayers and condolences go out to Jeremy’s family and friends. I’m sure it hurts to lose someone that must have been a great father, wonderful son, and heroic friend.
Hopefully this tragic event will remind visitors to Emerald Isle that no matter how inviting the water looks, it can become a deadly place in an instant. Please be safe out there.