NC Teen Ian Lewis Found Dead After Emerald Isle Drowning Paige Merical Clinging To Life After Underwater 14 Minutes

EMERALD ISLE, NC. (THECOUNT) — Ian Lewis, 18, from Wake Forest, had been swimming with a group of friends at Emerald Isle coast near the beach strand when a rip current carried two individuals off the North Carolina coast.

Paige Merical, 17, was recovered Sunday after reportedly being underwater for 14 minutes. Lewis was located dead early Monday morning, officials said.

Merical is alive but said to have suffered brain damage.

A group of friends were swimming along the Emerald Isle coast when witnesses said the victims were swept out by a rip current.

Authorities rescued Merical but had no luck finding Frazier until Monday.

Merical was transported to Carteret Health Care and later transferred to Vidant Medical Center, in Greenville North Carolina. She was listed in serious condition, reports WSOCTV.

Emerald Isle officials released the following statement:

“The Town of Emerald Isle would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Lewis, as well as our continued support and prayers to the family and friends of Ms. Merical.”

No other information was provided by officials.

Geo quick facts: Emerald Isle is a town on Bogue Banks Island, part of North Carolina’s Crystal Coast. The Bogue Inlet Pier is a popular fishing spot, with views of the Atlantic Ocean. The Western and Eastern Ocean Regional Accesses are public entry points to the beach, a water sports hub. Emerald Isle Woods Park has a disc golf course and a dock, plus shoreline and forest trails, including part of the North Carolina Birding Trail – wikipedia.