Jalan Alston, 18, had recently graduated high school in Brooklyn, New York. To celebrate the momentous occasion, he went down the Jersey Shore with friends.
While there he witnessed two swimmers struggling in the water, he jumped into action, but unfortunately he did not make it back to the shore.
The incident occurred in Ventnor, New Jersey, Friday around 7 p.m. Jalan helped get the two struggling swimmers to shore, but according to the U.S. Coast Guard, he never made it.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Jalan,” said Capt. Jonathan Theel, commander of Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay. “It’s always difficult to suspend a case and it weighs especially heavy on our hearts knowing that he was helping others.”
The 18-year-old’s body was recovered Saturday night in Atlantic City.
His friends and family were heartbroken, but reflected on the teen’s selfless way of life.
“He was pure of love and will always be remembered for his positive impacts due to the fact that I don’t have any negative ones,” Jalan’s older brother Mark said. “He was never combative and treated everyone fairly and equally. He is courageous and one of the smartest kids I know.”
Rest in peace, Jalan. Thank you for sacrificing your life to save someone else’s life.
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