SANTA ROSA BEACH — Two men drowned Sunday after getting caught in rip currents in the Gulf of Mexico behind an area of South Spooky Lane, according to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office offense report.
Witnesses called lifeguards at the beach access stating that 44-year-old Memphis, Tenn. resident Annazar Nazarov was 75 yards off shore and a civilian, 48-year-old William Haithcox of Spartenburg, S.C. went into the water in an attempt to save him.
Firefighters responded at 5:45 p.m., according to a South Walton Fire Department news release.
Lifeguards responded from the closest towers located half a mile from the men, the news release reported. Three lifeguards entered the water within minutes and rescued both men.
Both men were pronounced dead after being transported to Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast.
A red flag was flying and weather conditions were rain with lightning in the area, the SWFD reported. This was an unguarded beach area.