July 21, 2024 – MANTEO, N.C. — A 72-year-old man from Florence, South Carolina, died on Saturday morning as a result of an incident that occurred while kayaking. The kayaker launched from the beach near Cape Hatteras National Seashore's Ramp 43, located east of the Cape Point Campground near Buxton, North Carolina.

Bystanders reported seeing the kayak capsize while attempting to ride a wave approximately 50 yards from the beach. They swam out to help pull the man from the kayak and brought him to the beach.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation efforts were initiated; however, they were unsuccessful. Several agencies and partners assisted with the incident including the Dare County Emergency Medical Service and Sheriff’s Office, Hatteras Island Ocean Rescue and Cape Hatteras National Seashore Rangers.

Because the fatality occurred while kayaking, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is investing the incident.

"We send our condolences to the kayaker's family and friends," stated Cape Hatteras National Seashore Superintendent David Hallac.