New York

22-Year-Old Swimmer Who Drowned at Jersey Shore Suffered Seizure: Authorities

Authorities say the New York man who drowned at the Jersey Shore last weekend suffered a seizure while swimming.

John Crimmins was with friends in the ocean off of Mantoloking when he suddenly disappeared from their sight around 2:30 p.m. Saturday.

An extensive search was launched, and less than an hour later, lifeguards from the Bay Head Improvement District spotted the man in the surf at a beach area in Bay Head. The man was unresponsive and lifeguards immediately administered CPR.

He was pronounced dead at a hospital short time later.

The Ocean County Prosecutor's Office says their investigation determined Crimmins had a medical condition that caused seizures. They say his death has been ruled a drowning, with idiopathic epileptic seizures contributing to the event.

Crimmins was the stepson of a New York schools superintendent.

Crimmins' stepfather, Yonkers Schools Superintendent Michael Yazurlo, issued a statement to the Journal News confirming his death.

"Our hearts are heavy, we will miss John," Yazurlo said.

A wake is scheduled at the Westchester Funeral Home Eastchester Wednesday evening, and the funeral will be held at Immaculate Conception Church in Tuckahoe Thursday. 

An obituary for Crimmins on the funeral home's webpage read: "An avid swimmer, surfer, lifeguard and beach lover, John took great pride in participating in Swim Across America each year to raise funds for cancer research in his Uncle Gerard''s honor. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Swim Across America in John''s name, www.swimacrossamerica.org. Online condolences can be given at www.westchesterfuneralhome.com."

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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