Father who died saving daughter at NJ beach identified as FDNY firefighter
"It's a tragedy when someone goes and rescues a family member and then they themselves don't make it out," one man said.
AVON BEACH, New Jersey (WPVI) -- A father who died on Friday after saving his daughter's life at a New Jersey beach has been identified as a firefighter with the New York City Fire Department.
Officials with FDNY identified the father as Firefighter Mark Batista.
Officials say Batista was rescuing his teenage daughter from rip currents when he died.
The teen was swept out by a jetty off the coast of Avon Beach, according to police.
She was pulled several yards out into the ocean.
There were no lifeguards on duty, so emergency crews said Batista jumped in to save her.
Rescue crews were able to pull the teen out of the water, and later found the father's body.
Officials with FDNY released the following statement regarding the incident:
"We are heartbroken to learn about the death of Firefighter Mark Batista, who died Friday while swimming at the Jersey Shore. Firefighter Batista was a dedicated public servant who spent fifteen years serving in the FDNY, as both an EMT and a firefighter. We join his family in mourning his tragic passing."
Batista was a 15-year veteran, officials say.
"It's a tragedy when someone goes and rescues a family member and then they themselves don't make it out," said Bob Zielinski, who witnessed the event at the beach.
Crews say the teen is physically in good condition after the tragedy.
There has been no word yet on the teenage daughter's age or identity.
