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Teen Dies After Being Pulled From Water In Hollywood Beach

FT. LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – Monday afternoon a 15-year old boy died after he was pulled from the surf in a Hollywood park.

The teen's family said they were watching him in the water off John U Lloyd state park around noon when he went under and didn't resurface.

According to police the family noticed the water was getting rough, but as they were making their way back to shore, a wave pulled the boy under.

Multiple law enforcement agencies launched an intensive search for the teen. He was found a short distance away from where he disappeared.

Good Samaritans helped pull the teen from the surf and then performed chest compression until paramedics arrived.

"He was not breathing at the time there was no movement," said Fernando Vega who tried to help. "The first thing I did was start giving him CPR and just help out anyway we can you know. I just kept pumping on his chest until the police officers showed up and they told me they'd take it from there and we've been here praying waiting to see what happens."

As the paramedics pumped his chest, people on the beach gathered together to pray for the boy. The crowd wavered between cheers at a slight movement and silent prayer as police worked, every emotion shared and magnified by the entire group that surrounded the young man's family.

"I was praying for the God to come to life to the body," Maria Gonzalez told CBS 4's Maggie Newland. She added tearfully, "but I don't think they saved him.

"We don't know everybody here but everybody's united in prayer right now," said Vega.

The boy was then taken to Memorial Regional Hospital and was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Red flags at the park warned beachgoers about rough surf and signs warned of rip currents.

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