Man May Have Died While Bodysurfing In Ocean Grove

OCEAN GROVE, NJ — The 72-year-old man who died last Monday while swimming at Ocean Grove may have died while bodysurfing.

The man, a resident of St. Augustine, Florida, was found unresponsive in the ocean by lifeguards shortly before 11 a.m. that day, police said last week.

Ocean Grove lifeguards pulled him from the water onto the sand, where he was found to be unconscious, not breathing and without a pulse. Lifeguards started CPR; police and EMTs also responded to the scene.

His pulse was briefly regained on the beach, said Neptune Twp. Police Chief Anthony Gualario, and he was taken by ambulance to Jersey Shore University Medical Center. However, he died there later that same day, said the police chief.

The man was identified as Donald “Don” Gill, and he "caught his last bodysurfing wave on August 4, 2025," his family said in his obituary.

"It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Donald “Don” Gill, who passed away peacefully on August 4, 2025, at the age of 72, in Ocean Grove, New Jersey. He was surrounded by family and loved ones at the time of his passing," said his family.

They also remembered him as a lifelong summer visitor to Ocean Grove, and said he was an extremely active man who loved the ocean and bodysurfing.

"Ocean Grove and riding waves were his true passions, reflecting his love for life, nature and the joy of being surrounded by family and friends ... After retiring, Don enjoyed peaceful winters on the beaches of Saint Augustine, Florida, and spent every summer of his life in Ocean Grove, New Jersey, a place he deeply loved," read his obituary. "He dedicated over 55 years to the Ocean Grove Auditorium Ushers becoming Director of the South Gallery."

Gill was also previously a volunteer firefighter with Boonton Township.

The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association, which owns the beaches in the tiny resort town of Ocean Grove, called the man's death "tragic" on their Facebook page, and thanked Neptune Twp. Police and first aid squads for responding.

Last week: Man Dies After Being Pulled Unconscious From Jersey Shore Beach (Aug. 8)