SANTA ROSA BEACH - One man drowned and another was hospitalized after being caught in a rip current in the Gulf of Mexico behind the area of South Spooky Lane Sunday evening, according to the South Walton Fire District.
Their identities were not released Sunday night.
One of the men had become caught in a rip current while swimming and was taken underwater. The second man had attempted to rescue him but was also caught in a rip current and taken underwater.
Lifeguards responded from the closest towers located half a mile from the victims, the news release reported. Three lifeguards entered the water within minutes and rescued both victims.
Paramedics were able to sustain a pulse in one victim. He was taken to Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast. His condition is unknown.
The other victim was pronounced dead.
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