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Update: We have confirmation of next of kin notification. The victim is identified as 35-year old Ryan Mallett of Arkansas. We send our heartfelt sympathies to his family, friends, and loved ones in his tragic passing.
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an apparent drowning that claimed the life of a tourist in the Gulf of Mexico this afternoon.
First responders were called to the beach behind 775 Gulf Shore Drive in Destin around 2:12 p.m.
A group of people in the water near the second sandbar had reportedly been struggling to make their way back to shore.
One of the individuals, an adult male, went under and lifeguards say he was not breathing when pulled out.
Lifesaving measures were immediately undertaken but the man was pronounced deceased at the Destin Emergency Room.
We do not have confirmation at this time of next of kin notification.
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