Phoenixville HS Student, Lifeguard Dies After NJ Patrol Accident

PHOENIXVILLE, PA — A Phoenixville Area High School student has died after his lifeguard patrol boat capsized while he was on duty in Cape May, New Jersey.

Norman Inferrera, 16, was knocked unconscious Thursday in the boat as he patrolled in rough waters, aiming to keep swimmers in a safe area, the family reported. He was flown by helicopter to Cooper University Medical Center in Camden on Thursday, according to reports by nj.com. He died on Friday night, according to family.

"This summer Champ was involved in many rescues including a four-year-old child. He was loved by all in the lifeguard squad," said the young man's aunt, Kathleen Inferrera Price.

A GoFundMe set up by Price aimed to raise $15,000 to cover medical costs, but it quickly raised more than 10 times that amount, showing more than $159,000 donated by Monday morning.

Price stated on the page that the family learned Cape May's municipal insurance would cover all medical costs, so the funds given on GoFundMe will be used to establish scholarships in memory of Norman V Inferrera III. "The scholarships will be issued on an annual basis to the Cape May Beach Patrol 'Cannone Scholarship Fund' and Norman's high school Phoenixville Area High School," Inferrero's aunt said.

Price reported that the Cape May Beach Patrol informed Inferrero's family that a beach in Cape May is being named after her nephew. "The family is deeply moved and became very emotional upon the news," she wrote.

Price added to her remarks, "Norman's Inferrera's family is overwhelmed by the kindness and words of encouragement by such an astonishing amount of people." She also said, "Champ would be so glad to know that he will be helping future college-bound students achieve their dreams and goals! I can clearly see his smile now."

The Phoenixville Area School District offered condolences to the grieving family. "On behalf of everyone at PASD, we extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Norman Inferrera. His sudden death has sent shock waves through our school and community."

Phoenixville Area High School Principal Rose Scioli announced the news of Inferrero's death with the school community on Saturday. "It is with great sadness that I share the tragic loss of one of our students, 11th grader Norman Inferrera, III. Norman was involved in an accident while patrolling the shores as a lifeguard in Cape May. Those who knew Norman know what a remarkable young man he was, and this loss is felt greatly by our community. We ask that you hold the Inferrera family in your thoughts at this time."

She said friends organized a memorial in his honor on Sunday at Reeve's Park.

"Our School Counselors will be available at PAHS on Monday, for any student who feels they need extra support during this difficult time. Please reach out if you need to. We are here to help any way we can," Scioli said.

Inferrera was recently on the Distinguished Honor Roll at Phoenixville Area High School.

Phoenixville Area School District Lost Others This Summer

The tragic death of the young lifeguard is the third death of a Phoenixville Area School District student in the past two months, PASD Communications Manager Sandy Claus said on Monday.

PASD told Patch, "The past couple of months have been very challenging. Earlier this summer PASD lost two elementary students, one to cancer and one to a tragic bicycle accident. As a school community, we will continue to provide support to all who have been touched by the loss of these three Phoenixville students."

The students are Anna Laura Veiga (rising 4th-grade student at Schuylkill Elementary), Jackson “Jax” Thorburn (rising 3rd-grade student at Schuylkill Elementary), and Norman Inferrera (rising 11th-grade student at Phoenixville Area High School), PASD said.

"They will all be greatly missed," Claus said.

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