Man Dies at Fort Fisher

Michael Jerome Smith, a 46 year old man from Rocky Point, drowned after struggling in rough waters in Fort Fisher.

Witnesses say two men were struggling to swim ashore in front of the Fort Fisher Visitors Center.
A few men on the beach swam in to help them and were soon joined by lifeguards and other rescuers. They were only able to save one.

“It’s just a very sad thing to happen on a Labor Day weekend when you’re coming to enjoy the beach with your family,” said Dede Davis, who witnessed the incident. “I’m sure it’s not what anyone expected to experience or see.”

The incident happened in an area where no lifeguards were on duty. Authorities are still investigating what happened.