Jersey City Girl Who Drowned On First Shore Trip Remembered As 'Helping Whoever She Could'

JERSEY CITY, NJ — Friends are raising funds for the family of a Jersey City girl who drowned in Belmar last weekend during her first trip to the Jersey Shore.

Sameeha Sultana, 13, was on a field trip with a local Muslim youth group when she and her younger sister got caught in rip currents. READ MORE: New Details In Teen's Drowning Death At Jersey Shore Beach

Sameeha's sister, 12, was rescued by a bystander, according to reports and social media.

The tragedy made statewide news all week, as local officials and lifeguards reminded beachgoers not to head into the ocean if there are no lifeguards on duty.

"We are saddened to announce the passing of our sister Sameeha Sultana, a remarkable sister in the YM Jersey City and wider community," noted the Young Muslim group running the fundraiser. "She was known for being extremely involved in helping whenever and whoever she could."

"The proceeds will go towards supporting her family according to their needs during this time," they added.

Sameeha's grieving family told NJ.com on Thursday that she was a "happy girl, a very happy girl" who loved art and traveling, and was close to her younger sister.

Both girls had begged to go on the trip, the story said, even though their mom hesitated because they weren't experienced swimmers.

After both girls were caught in a rip current last Friday evening, a retired corrections officer pulled out Sameeha's sister, who shouted that Sameeha still needed to be rescued.

Belmar police said Sameeha was unresponsive when she was found at 7:29 p.m. off the 7th Avenue beach.

First responders tried to save her life as she was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where she was later pronounced dead, according to Patch.

An Islamic Center in Jersey City posted about Sameeha's death last Saturday, saying services would be held the next day.

Raising Awareness

"I cannot emphasize enough that the ocean poses many dangers to those that enter the water when lifeguards are off duty," posted Harry M. Harsin, the chief lifeguard for the Belmar Beach Patrol, on social media last Saturday.

He added, "Wind, waves, sandbars and riptides are a constant threat. Please, I am PLEADING with the public to use common sense and not let your loved ones into the water after hours. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family."

Her fundraiser had amassed more than $54,000 in contributions by Friday.

Patch Editor Karen Wall contributed to this report.