Tragedy Strikes Seaside Park: “Cowboy Hero” Dies Trying to Save Kids During Lightning Storm.

Seaside Park, New Jersey—In a heartbreaking turn of events, Toms River resident Patrick Dispoto, known for his kindness and signature cowboy hat, lost his life while attempting to rescue children from a lightning storm. His heroic actions have touched the hearts of many.

Tragedy Strikes Seaside Park: “Cowboy Hero” Dies Trying to Save Kids During Lightning Storm.

The incident unfolded around 7 p.m. as ominous storm clouds gathered over the beach. Patrick Dispoto, 58, noticed a group of kids still on the sand after lifeguards had left. Determined to keep them safe, he warned them and ensured his girlfriend’s safety before heading onto the dune.

Tragically, lightning struck during the storm, rendering Dispoto unresponsive. CPR efforts began immediately, but he was pronounced dead at a local hospital shortly before 9 p.m. His loved ones remember him as a “lovable cowboy hero.”

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Seaside Park, no stranger to severe weather, is about to upgrade its lightning detection systems. Lifeguard captain Jim Rankin emphasized the importance of staying ahead of storms: “If you feel things like a wind shift, see the clouds, or hear rumbles of thunder, get off the beach.”

This loss echoes a similar tragedy three years ago when lifeguard Keith Pinto was struck and killed by lightning in Berkeley Township. Lessons learned from that incident prompted Seaside Park’s commitment to enhancing safety measures.

As we mourn Patrick Dispoto’s passing, let us honor his bravery and remember that even in the face of nature’s fury, heroes emerge. 

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