VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) – The man pulled out of the water at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront in critical condition on Sept. 21 has died, Virginia Beach police said.
According to officials, just before 8:30 p.m., officers were dispatched to the Boardwalk at 16th Street for reports of a drowning.
Police said three people, later identified as 22-year-old Sergio Olcot Ajbal, 22-year-old Sergio Xinico and 24-year-old Santos Olcot Ajbal, were swept out to sea while swimming at night. Santos was recovered that same night and transferred to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Recovery crews attempted to search for the two other missing men, with Virginia Beach Police, Marine Police, United States Coast Guard and United States Navy crews working alongside each other Sunday morning.
Around noon on Sunday, the search had to be halted due to rough seas, but the search continued the following day.
On Sept. 23, just before 7:30 p.m., officers were dispatched to 17th Street for reports of a body in the ocean. The individual was later identified as Sergio Olcot Ajbal.
The following morning, around 4:30 a.m., officers recovered another body from the water around 30th Street, who was later identified as Sergio Xinico.
Police said no foul play is suspected in this incident.
Guilmer Olcot Ajbal created a GoFundMe account for the victims’ families. Guilmer identified himself as the brother of two of the men who died. He said he was at the beach with them enjoying the evening sunset. He explained that his brothers and their friend were in knee-deep water when a large wave swept them out into the ocean.
He created the GoFundMe to assist with funeral expenses. Click here if you are interested in donating.