Dead Swimmer Recovered from Waters of Virginia’s Assateague Island National Seashore Identified as Cresencio Lucas Chavez Velasquez
CHINCOTEAGUE, VA — The Assateague Island National Seashore community and surrounding areas are mourning the loss of an 18-year-old swimmer, Cresencio Lucas Chavez Velasquez, of Parksley, Virginia, who tragically drowned in the waters off Virginia’s portion of the U.S. National Park on July 24, 2025.
The incident occurred in the afternoon near the southern end of the Chincoteague Beach Parking Lot, a popular spot for visitors seeking the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of Assateague Island.
The Tragic Incident
According to officials with the National Park Service, lifeguards were dispatched around 4:15 p.m. on July 24 following reports of two swimmers struggling in the ocean approximately 150 yards south of the designated lifeguard zone.
While one swimmer was successfully rescued by on-duty lifeguards, Velasquez was found unconscious and unresponsive in the water. Lifeguards promptly began performing CPR at the scene, demonstrating quick and dedicated emergency response efforts. Velasquez was then transported to a nearby hospital, but despite medical intervention, he sadly did not survive.
This heartbreaking loss has deeply impacted the Parksley community and all who knew Cresencio. Friends and family remember him as a vibrant young man full of promise, whose life was cut tragically short.
Context and Safety Concerns
This fatal incident took place just a week after lifeguards were reinstated to the Virginia side of Assateague Island following a period of absence caused by federal budget cuts. The Maryland side of the national park remains without lifeguard coverage, a situation that has raised ongoing concerns about visitor safety.
A National Park Service spokesperson emphasized the unpredictable nature of the ocean conditions at Assateague, noting the swift and often dangerous currents that can quickly pull swimmers far from shore. They urged all visitors to exercise extreme caution, stay within designated swimming areas, and heed lifeguard warnings and advisories.
“We ask our visitors to never venture too far from shore and pay attention to wind and currents which can transport you long distances quickly,” the spokesperson said in a public statement on July 26.
Community Impact and Reflection
The loss of Cresencio Lucas Chavez Velasquez serves as a solemn reminder of the dangers posed by natural bodies of water, even in areas that attract thousands of visitors each year. Assateague Island is renowned for its stunning beaches, wild horses, and unspoiled landscapes, but it demands respect for its sometimes treacherous waters.
Friends, family, and community members continue to grieve while calling for increased awareness around water safety. The incident has sparked conversations about lifeguard coverage, emergency preparedness, and visitor education, underscoring the need for vigilance in preserving life in recreational settings.
Moving Forward
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic event. The National Park Service remains committed to ensuring visitor safety through enhanced patrols, public education campaigns, and maintaining lifeguard services wherever possible.
As the community mourns the loss of a young life taken too soon, the hope remains that Cresencio’s story will encourage others to exercise caution and prioritize safety when enjoying the natural beauty of Assateague Island.
In Memoriam: Cresencio Lucas Chavez Velasquez
Cresencio’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who loved him and those touched by his life. His memory will live on as a beacon for safety, community, and the preciousness of every moment spent in nature’s embrace.
May he rest in peace, and may his family and friends find strength and comfort in their memories and the support of the community.
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