Off-duty FDNY firefighter Mark Batista died trying to save his daughter's life.
According to CBS 2 NY, on Friday, Batista jumped in the water at Avon-by-the-Sea to help his daughter, who was caught in a rip current.
Rescue crews saved the girl but didn't find Batista until it was too late.
No lifeguards were on duty at the time.
Batista, 39, worked at Engine Company 226 in Brooklyn.
The FDNY released the following statement:
"We are heartbroken to learn about the death of Firefighter Mark Batista, who died Friday while swimming at the Jersey Shore.
"Firefighter Batista was a dedicated public servant who spent fifteen years serving in the FDNY, as both an EMT and a firefighter. We join his family in mourning his tragic passing."
