Kenny Ray Gooch, 32, of Powells Point, tried to save his girlfriend's 12-year-old son, who was swimming near the Kitty Hawk pier with two teens, when they were pulled 75 yards out by a rip current, WTKR reported.
Gooch rushed in to help but was pulled out to sea and disappeared.
Bystanders rescued the 12-year-old. The 19- and 14-year-old made it back to shore on their own, according to WTKR.
Gooch was later found by water rescuers who brought him to shore but were unable to revive him, according to WTKR.
Gooch is the eighth victim of the Outer Banks surf this year. Two years ago nine people died.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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