Jersey Shore Mourns 19-Year-Old Lifeguard After Tragic Death

BERKELEY, NJ — An online fundraiser has been organized in memory of Keith Pinto, a 19-year-old lifeguard who died Monday after he was struck by lightning in South Seaside Park.

Eight people, including four lifeguards, were either struck or injured from the lightning strike at 21st Avenue Beach.

Pinto died from his injuries at the scene, Berkeley police said.

"We lost a special guy tonight, one who was so close and meant so much to so many people," Chase Vander Vliet wrote on the GoFundMe page he organized. "A complete tragedy that nobody would have ever expected to happen. It would be impossible to get it all into words how much our friend meant to us but we all know how amazing he was."

Flowers and messages were left at the lifeguard stand on the beach in memory of Pinto following the tragedy. The South Seaside Park community will hold a candlelight memorial at 21st Avenue Beach on Tuesday at 8 p.m.

Pinto graduated from Toms River High School North in 2020. He attended Ocean County College, according to his Facebook page.

"We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic loss of High School North graduate Keith Pinto," said Toms River district spokesman Michael Kenny in a statement.

"Hearing and reading from those who knew Keith best remind us that he was—and will forever remain—an integral part of the High School North community, someone who was a true source of joy and who lifted the spirits of everyone around him. Our hearts go out to Keith’s family and friends, and we wish them strength and comfort during this extremely difficult time."

Berkeley Township's ocean beaches will be closed for swimming on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday but open to sunbathers. Lifeguards and staff will be off and crisis counseling with be available to beach employees, according to Mayor Carmen Amato.

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

The borough of Seaside Park announced that it would accept Berkeley Township beach badges until beaches in South Seaside Park reopen.

"We again want to extend our deepest condolences to all touched by the tragedy that occurred Monday," the borough wrote on its Facebook page.

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