An autopsy performed on Newport Beach lifeguard Ben Carlson has determined that he died from accidental drowning during a rescue on July 6. The autopsy found scrapes and bruises on Carlson’s forehead and nose.
Ben Carlson, 32, attempted to rescue a swimmer in distress in the water off 16th Street on July 6. Carlson, a 15-year Newport Beach lifeguard veteran, went into the water off a boat. Carlson was hit by a massive wave and never came up.
The swimmer made it back to shore safely.
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