The FDNY is mourning the loss of one of theirs after the drowning of a veteran trying to save his daughter on the Jersey Shore.
The tragic incident occurred Friday morning after Mark Batista drowned while saving his teenage daughter who was caught in a rip current.
The 39-year-old dad jumped into the treacherous waters before being caught in the current. His daughter was rescued ten minutes later but he didn't survive.
“We are heartbroken to learn about the death of Firefighter Mark Batista, who died Friday while swimming at the Jersey Shore,” an FDNY spokesperson said.
“Firefighter Batista was a dedicated public servant who spent fifteen years serving in the FDNY, as both an EMT and a firefighter. We join his family in mourning his tragic passing.”
