55-year-old Massachusetts man dies after swimming incident; family says it was a place he loved

A Massachusetts man has died after an incident at a Massachusetts beach.

According to the police and fire departments, on Friday, at approximately 3:45 p.m.., the West Tisbury Police Department along with West Tisbury Fire Rescue Personnel & Tri- Town Medical staff responded to a reported swimming incident at Long Point. Responders worked alongside personnel from the Trustees of Reservations, in addition, three lifeguards from South Beach responded on ATVs to assist with the rescue efforts. 

The West Tisbury Police Department, West Tisbury Fire Rescue, and Tri-Town Ambulance personnel arrived on scene simultaneously. As first responders made their way to the beach, three lifeguards from South Beach had also arrived and immediately entered the water to rescue individuals who were struggling to return to shore. 

The coordinated efforts of the lifeguards and emergency responders ensured that the individuals were quickly brought from the water, where crews worked in unison to provide treatment to all parties involved. One male party was transported to Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. 

55-year-old Kevin Foster of Cambridge died at the hospital.

According to a GoFundMe fundraiser, Martha’s Vineyard was a place Foster loved, and he was among people he loved and who loved him.

The Trustees – Martha’s Vineyard announced that Long Point Wildlife Refuge Beaches were closed this past weekend due to the incident. Reservations were refunded.