News Release

Woman dies in water-related incident in front of village of Avon, Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Date: September 4, 2023
Contact: Mike Barber, 252-270-5389

A 28-year-old woman from Washington, D.C., died this afternoon in a water-related incident in front of the village of Avon at Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore).

Additional details:

• At approximately 2:30 p.m. Sept. 4, a 911 call was placed to report an unresponsive visitor in the ocean in the northern section of the village of Avon.

• A witness stated that the 28-year-old woman was overtaken by strong waves and disappeared in the surf.

• Shortly after disappearing in the surf, the victim was observed face-down in rough ocean conditions.

• A bystander and bodyboarder, Dare County Emergency Medical Services, Hatteras Island Rescue Squad and Seashore law enforcement rangers responded to the incident.

• A bystander and visitor with a body board assisted with bringing the woman to shore.

• Unfortunately, cardiopulmonary resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.

• Ocean conditions in the area were reported to be rough with a high risk of rip currents.

“The Seashore’s thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends after this tragic event,” said National Parks of Eastern North Carolina Superintendent David Hallac.