Name Released for Ohio 18-Year-Old Reported Dead in Nags Head After Being Pulled from Ocean
Tragic Occurrence at Nags Head Beach
On July 3, 2024, tragedy struck Nags Head, a beach destination located in North Carolina’s Outer Banks, when three swimmers were reported in distress. Among them was 18-year-old Ibrahim Salam Sankoh from Columbus, Ohio, who was later pronounced deceased at The Outer Banks Hospital.
Details about the Incident
According to an issued news release, it was around 2:51 p.m. when Nags Head’s Fire and Rescue and Police departments were dispatched to the Gull Street public beach access, found on the 7100 block of South Virginia Dare Trail. The authorities were alerted to three swimmers that were struggling in the water.
Fortunately, two of these swimmers were able to return to the shore. One of the swimmers was assisted by a Nags Head lifeguard, and both individuals were quickly transported to The Outer Banks Hospital for a medical assessment. Regrettably, the third swimmer, later identified as Ibrahim Sankoh, remained missing.
Efforts to Locate the Missing Swimmer
A request for aerial support was made to facilitate the search. However, before its arrival, a Nags Head police officer succeeded in locating Sankoh through the deployment of a drone. Guided by the drone’s observations, Nags Head lifeguards managed to bring Sankoh back to the shore.
Once on land, the unresponsive Sankoh was immediately provided with medical assistance by Dare County’s Emergency Medical Services and was transported to The Outer Banks Hospital. Despite the immediate response and the ensuing medical intervention, Sankoh sadly succumbed and was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
Aftermath and Public Sympathies
The name of the deceased was not immediately released following the incident. Four days later, on July 8, the information was publicly shared, identifying the deceased as the 18-year-old Ohio resident, Ibrahim Salam Sankoh.
The Town of Nags Head extended its condolences to the bereaved family and friends of Sankoh. They appreciated Kill Devil Hills Ocean Rescue for their assistance during the incident. As this tragic event starkly showcases the potential dangers of ocean swimming, local residents and tourists are urged to educate themselves about water and beach safety by visiting LovetheBeachRespecttheOcean.com.
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
