Kevin Foster, 55, of Cambridge, Massachusetts, died on July 31 after attempting to rescue his two teenage sons from a rip current off Long Point beach on Martha’s Vineyard.
First responders received an alert at 3:47 p.m. and found four swimmers in distress, including Foster's sons, Kaden and Kenneth. Foster had entered the water to help them when he was also caught in the powerful current. Bystanders and emergency personnel were able to pull the swimmers, including Foster, back to shore.
Despite lifesaving efforts, Foster was unconscious and not breathing. He was transported to Martha's Vineyard Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The beach where the incident occurred is not patrolled by lifeguards and was experiencing strong currents that day, according to reports. One witness described the water as becoming "more and more violent" throughout the afternoon.
Nadia Foster, Kevin's wife, released a statement expressing the family's immense grief and gratitude. "Our family is deeply grateful to the lifeguards, firefighters, EMS personnel, law enforcement, and the brave members of the public who selflessly entered the water to help those in distress," she stated. "Their courage, compassion, and professionalism will never be forgotten."
Kevin Foster was an advocate for affordable housing and served on Cambridge’s Community Preservation Act committee. A GoFundMe page established to support the family has raised over $250,000.
