News Summary
A 63-year-old man from North Carolina drowned while swimming in North Myrtle Beach after suffering a medical emergency. Despite immediate assistance from lifeguards and first responders, he was pronounced dead the following day. This incident highlights growing concerns about water safety in the area, especially in light of recent drowning trends and the dangers posed by rip currents.
North Myrtle Beach, SC – Todd Hilliard, a 63-year-old man from Kernersville, North Carolina, tragically died after drowning in the ocean near 36th Avenue South on Friday afternoon. The unfortunate incident is believed to have resulted from a sudden medical emergency that occurred while he was wading or swimming in the water.
According to reports, Hilliard lost consciousness while in the ocean, prompting immediate assistance from nearby beachgoers and lifeguards. First responders arrived on the scene and noted that Hilliard had a weak pulse and was on a ventilator when he was pulled from the water. Lifeguards promptly performed CPR, and Hilliard was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital for urgent medical care.
Despite the efforts of medical personnel, Hilliard was pronounced dead the following day, Saturday. The Horry County Coroner’s Office has officially ruled the cause of death as drowning, confirming the tragic outcome of this incident.
Recent Drowning Trends in North Myrtle Beach
This incident marks a notable tragedy in the context of recent events at North Myrtle Beach, where water safety has become an increasing concern. Just days before Hilliard’s drowning, two swimmers were reported missing due to being caught in rip currents, with one individual still unaccounted for. This pattern of water-related emergencies underscores the importance of vigilant safety measures for beachgoers, particularly during the popular summer season.
Local Response and Safety Precautions
Officials have emphasized the critical role lifeguards play in ensuring beach safety and responding effectively to emergencies. As incidents like Hilliard’s occur, local authorities are reminded of the ongoing need to educate the public about the dangers of swimming in the ocean, especially in conditions where rip currents are present.
Context of Drowning Cases
Drowning remains a leading cause of accidental death, and it is particularly prevalent in areas with high foot traffic near water bodies. The Horry County Deputy Coroner, Michelle McSpadden, highlighted the importance of understanding the risks involved with ocean swimming – especially during times when lifeguard resources might be stretched due to a high number of visitors to the beach.
In the wake of Hilliard’s death, local emergency services are expected to increase public awareness concerning water safety and provide resources to educate both locals and tourists about potential hazards. Swimming in designated areas with lifeguard supervision is highly recommended for ensuring safety during beach outings.
This incident serves as a solemn reminder of the unpredictability of nature and the importance of being prepared for emergencies while enjoying outdoor recreational activities. The community mourns the loss of Todd Hilliard while acknowledging the necessary steps to foster a safer environment for everyone enjoying the beautiful coastline of North Myrtle Beach.
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Additional Resources
- WFMY News 2
- Wikipedia: Drowning
- WXII 12
- Google Search: Todd Hilliard drowning
- WMBF News
- Google Scholar: drowning statistics
- My Horry News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: drowning
- WPDE
- Google News: North Myrtle Beach drowning
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
