Cresencio Lucas Chavez Velasquez Identified as Drowning Victim at Assateague Island

Cresencio Lucas Chavez Velasquez Identified as Drowning Victim at Assateague Island

ASSATEAGUE ISLAND, Md. — Authorities have identified the young man who drowned at Assateague Island National Seashore on July 24 as 18-year-old Cresencio Lucas Chavez Velasquez of Parksley, Virginia.

The tragic incident occurred near the southern end of the Chincoteague Beach Parking Lot around 4:15 p.m. According to officials, a family member urgently notified nearby lifeguards that two swimmers were struggling far offshore. Lifeguards acted swiftly, rescuing one of the swimmers. However, Cresencio was later located unresponsive in the water.

Lifesaving efforts began immediately on the beach, with emergency crews performing CPR. He was then transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital, but despite extensive efforts, he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

The drowning happened roughly 150 yards outside the designated lifeguarded area, but on-duty lifeguards responded without delay. The rescue operation involved coordinated efforts from multiple agencies, including Assateague Island park rangers, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, contracted lifeguards, and Virginia state emergency personnel.

Cresencio’s death has prompted renewed warnings from park officials about the risks of swimming in unguarded waters, even for capable swimmers. Visitors are strongly encouraged to remain in designated swim zones and to pay close attention to surf conditions and safety signage.

This heartbreaking loss has deeply affected the local community and serves as a sobering reminder of the ocean’s unpredictable dangers.