CAPE MAY, N.J. (1010 WINS) A 16-year-old lifeguard who died in a capsized boat accident in New Jersey last week will have a beach renamed in his honor, his family has announced.
Norman V. Inferrera III, a first-year lifeguard for the Cape May Beach Patrol, was identified over the weekend by Cape May officials.
A GoFundMe page created by Inferrera's aunt, which has raised over $174,000, later reported Inferrera's life would be honored by renaming the beach after him.
"The family is deeply moved and became very emotional upon the news," his aunt, Kathleen Inferrera Price, wrote on the fundraiser.
Price previously said the CMBP would pay all of Inferrera's medical bills through the city's insurance. With "a substantial amount of funds remaining," the family has created a scholarship to the Beach Patrol and his high school Phoenixville Area High School in Pennsylvania.
"Champ would be so glad to know that he will be helping future college bound students achieve their dreams and goals! I can clearly see his smile now," she added.
Inferrera lost brain function Friday and later died a day after he hit his head on the boat and was knocked unconscious when his boat capsized at Reading Avenue Beach.
"While conducting a routine lifeguard patrol to keep people from getting into the rough surf, Norman’s lifeguard boat capsized," Price said.
The CMBP later shared their condolences to his family in an Instagram post.
Gov. Phil Murphy also expressed his sorrow about the accident, tweeting: "Deeply saddened by the tragic passing of 16-year-old rookie lifeguard Norman Inferrera III this weekend. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, his Cape May Beach Patrol colleagues, and the entire Cape May community."
A funeral service and burial are planned for Friday morning.