North Carolina drowning victim from Columbus identified

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – The 18-year-old drowning victim from Columbus who was pulled from the Atlantic Ocean off a North Carolina, Outer Banks island has been identified.

According to the City of Nags Head, Ibrahim Salam Sankoh was swimming with two other individuals near the Gull Street Public Beach Access point on South Virgina Dare Trail of Nags Head, N.C.

Officers responded to alerts for three swimmers in distress at 2:51 p.m. on July 3. Two of the swimmers safely made it back to shore, with one having been assisted by a lifeguard. The third swimmer was not seen at that time.

Aerial support was called in but before their arrival, a Nags Head police officer found the third swimmer, Sankoh, with help from a drone. Sankoh was brought to shore by a lifeguard and taken to a hospital. Despite medical intervention, he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Police have not indicated what led to the swimmers needing assistance. The other two swimmers were taken to a hospital for treatment and evaluation.