The Jersey Shore Mourns the Tragic Death of Keith Pinto, 19 of Toms River
A 19-year-old Lifeguard Died, 6 Others Struck By Lightning in Seaside Park
August 30, 2021
A GoFundMe has been Organized in Memory of Keith Pinto
August 31, 2021The Jersey Shore Mourns the Tragic Death of Keith Pinto, 19 of Toms River
Keith Pinto, 19 years old from Toms River was tragically killed on August 30th due to a lightning strike which occurred in South Seaside Park at the Jersey Shore. He was working as a lifeguard at White Sands Beach Berkeley Township when he was struck.
Pinto, according to friends, was a young man who was a track athlete at High School North, but most importantly, a kind man. That was evident in the outpouring of flowers left to celebrate a life cut short far too soon. Seven others were also injured. Most of the victims appeared to have relatively minor injuries, such as headaches and dizziness, according to authorities. They were taken to local hospitals to be treated.
The Mayor of Berkeley Township, Carmen Armato made this statement, “This is a tragic and heartbreaking day for our town and the entire Jersey Shore,” said Berkeley Mayor Carmen F. Amato. “This young person was out there everyday protecting the lives of others. Our lifeguard teams, like so many along the Shore, develop special connections with our community throughout the summer, which makes this loss even greater. On behalf of myself and our entire community, I offer our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of this young man.”
Governor Murphy also posted on his Facebook & Twitter pages - Our hearts are with the family and friends of the young lifeguard killed by today’s horrific lightning strike on the beach in Berkeley Township, and we pray for a full recovery for those injured. I’ve spoken to Mayor Carmen Amato and offered the full support and assistance of our administration during this difficult time.CBS NEW YORK - 19-Year-Old Lifeguard Killed By Lightning Strike In Berkeley Township, N.J.
The weather conditions were initially clear and sunny, leaving no signs that a dangerous storm was moving in. And it left them no time to take take cover.
The storm had passed fast, leaving behind a rainbow at sea with an arch that looked to stretch the length of South Seaside Park to the horizon.
Please Note: Berkeley Township beaches will be CLOSED to swimmers through Thursday. All municipal lifeguards and other beach staff will be off.
TomsRiver.org also sends out our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Keith Pinto. RIP
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