An early morning water rescue of a child ended in the drowning of the boy's father on Monday.
According to a statement released by police, on July 29th at 9:32 am, Atlantic City first responders, including police, fire, beach patrol and EMS, responded to the beach at New Jersey Avenue for a report of a child drowning and his father entering the water to save him.
Police officials said while rescue crews responded, the child, an 11-year old boy, was able to make it to the shoreline.
A former police officer, Mr. Jim Glorioso Jr. from Amsterdam, NY, observed the father struggling in the water, retrieved a boogie board, and entered the water according to police.
Glorioso located the man after he had gone underwater and attempted to pull him on the boogie board.
Police say Atlantic City Beach Patrol Chief Steve Downey was the first to reach the two men followed by members of the fire department where crews assisted both men to shore.
According to police, firefighters immediately began performing CPR on the unconscious father then transported him to the AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, City Division, where he died.
Officials say the child was also transported to the medical center for treatment of minor injuries.
The Atlantic City Beach Patrol was off-duty at the time of this incident. Upon hearing of the need for assistance, they immediately responded from a nearby beach tent.