Tourist dies in ocean off Nags Head

NAGS HEAD, N.C. (WAVY) - A man from Staunton, Virginia died Wednesday while swimming in the ocean off Nags Head, N.C., according to a fire department spokesman.

49-year-old Gregory Balsley and 21-year-old Justin Thomas were pulled from the water south of Limulus Street, near Mile Post 20 at around 2 p.m.

A Nags Head Ocean Rescue lifeguard responded to Mr. Balsley's cries for help and emergency crews performed lifesaving measures once he was on shore, spokeswoman Roberta Thuman told WAVY.com.

Both men were transported to the Outer Banks Hospital, where Mr. Balsley was pronounced dead. Mr. Thomas is expected to fully recover.

The fire department reports that a rip current was present in the area at the time of the tragedy, but it has not been determined yet whether or not drowning was the primary cause of Gregory Balsley's death.

Stay with WAVY News 10 on air and online for updates.