Rowan Student From Vineland Drowns in Ocean City

An especially bad season for ocean drownings in South Jersey has claimed another life.

Nathaniel Figueroa, a 21-year-old college student from Vineland, died on Friday, June 17 while swimming at Corson's Inlet State Park in Ocean City.

According to the Press of Atlantic City, State Police, State Park Police, the Ocean City Fire Department, and lifeguards from another beach in Ocean City responded to a report of a swimmer in trouble and attempted CPR on Figueroa.

He was transported to Shore Medical Center where he died. There has been speculation that Figueroa became caught in a rip current.

Corsons Inlet State Park borders the south end of Ocean City and Strathmere. The mile-long beach is not guarded and no swimming is allowed

Figueroa's obituary says he was a student at Rowan University known by family and friends as “Nito.” His obituary describes Nito as a talented baseball and softball player.

Nito's heartbreaking obituary ends with the reminder that “life is too short” has shown time and time again to be true. Remember, there is no guarantee that tomorrow will come to correct mistakes."

Services for Nathaniel Figueroa will be held on Friday, June 24 from 10 am to 12:30 pm, followed by funeral services at 12:30 pm, at DeMarco-Luisi Funeral Home, 2755 S. Lincoln Ave., Vineland. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Vineland.