Rhode Island DEM identifies man who died a hero attempting to save 2 swimmers

PROVIDENCE, RI — The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management today has identified a man who died heroically attempting to save two swimmers.

38-year-old Idmael Elmonus from Cranston was the victim of the drowning that occurred at around 7:00 p.m. July 18 at Scarborough North State Beach in Narragansett.

Elmonus was trying to rescue a 17-year-old boy and 20-year-old Moraida Medina, both of Central Falls, who were in distress in the surf.

Those who knew and didn’t know Elmonus consider his actions heroic. Family was important to Elmonus and they are now left mourning the huge hole he leaves behind.

DEM applauded the bravery of the rescue swimmers from its Division of Law Enforcement and the Narragansett Police Department for saving two victims and trying to save Elmonus. Also, DEM recognized Elmonus’s selflessness in trying to help two people he did not know who were in trouble.