A Staunton man died Wednesday
afternoon, in an apparent drowning off the Outer Banks.
Emergency crews in the
town of Nags Head say they pulled 49-year-old Greg Balsley from the surf, but
lifesaving efforts were not successful.
They report a rip current in the ocean at the time of the accident.
A longtime co-worker described
Balsley as "a light...a super guy who never met a stranger." Balsley was an agent with Real Estate III and
the son of "Statler Brother" Phil Balsley.
Nags Head Fire Department
Press Release
NAGS HEAD, North Carolina – June 21 2012 – A 49 year old visitor from Staunton, Virginia died yesterday while swimming in the ocean off Nags Head. Gregory Balsley was pulled from the ocean south of Limulus Street, near the 10000 block of South Old Oregon Inlet Road (near Mile Post 20), at about 2 p.m. by Nags Head public safety personnel.
Responding to Mr. Balsley's cries for help, a Nags Head Ocean Rescue lifeguard stationed in the area brought Mr. Balsley and another member of his group, Justin Thomas, 21, to shore.
Upon reaching the beach, the victims received lifesaving measures by emergency services personnel. Both men were then transported to The Outer Banks Hospital by Dare County Emergency Medical Services, where the elder man was declared dead. Mr. Thomas is expected to recover fully.
A rip current was present in the area at the time of the tragedy; however, it has not yet been determined whether drowning was the primary cause of Mr. Balsley's death. This incident occurred 48 hours after a period of rough weather and surf, during which red, no swimming flags were posted on area beaches.
The Town of Nags Head wished to express their condolences to Mr. Balsley's family. We would also like to remind everyone to swim near a lifeguard and follow the directions of public safety staff.
