Flags To Fly At Half-Staff To Honor Berkeley Township Lifeguard

BERKELEY, NJ — A Berkeley Township lifeguard who was fatally struck by lightning on Monday is being honored by the state, as Gov. Phil Murphy ordered U.S. and New Jersey flags to be lowered at half-staff at all state buildings and facilities on Friday.

Keith Pinto, 19, of Toms River was on duty at White Sands Beach in South Seaside Park on Monday afternoon when he and seven others were struck by lightning, police said.

Pinto was knocked from the lifeguard stand when he was struck, News 12 reported. Lifeguards performed CPR but ultimately could not save Pinto.

He died from his injuries at the scene, officials said.

“I was devastated to learn of Keith’s passing in a tragic incident earlier this week,” said Gov. Phil Murphy in a statement Wednesday. “He took on the selfless and great responsibility of protecting beachgoers at White Sands Beach. We mourn his loss and we will never forget his service to Berkeley Township and the many families that he kept safe. Our prayers are with Keith’s family, friends, and his fellow lifeguards.”

Pinto was a 2020 graduate of Toms River High School North and was preparing for his sophomore year at Ocean County College. His sister, Tina, told 6ABC that he was planning to go into the Marines.

"He was a perfect kid. He was amazing," she told 6ABC. "He was going to Ocean County College because he wanted a degree first before he went."

Hundreds of people attended a candlelight vigil alongside Pinto’s family and friends at the 21st Street Beach on Tuesday night. Flowers and messages have been left at the lifeguard stand in his memory.

Related: Lifeguard Honored At Candlelight Vigil In South Seaside Park

Berkeley Township's ocean beaches have been closed to swimmers until Friday as lifeguards have been given time off to grieve, according to Mayor Carmen Amato.

"This young person was out there every day protecting the lives of others," Amato said Monday night. "Our lifeguard teams, like so many along the shore, develop special connections with our community throughout the summer, which makes this loss even greater."

With reporting by Karen Wall.

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