Hero of Superstorm Sandy dies in surfing accident

Courtesy of NBC News 4 New York

Undated photo of Dylan Smith, who died off Puerto Rico.

The Belle Harbor section of the Rockaways in New York, where so many heroes emerged during Superstorm Sandy, has lost one of them to a tragic surfing death in Puerto Rico.

Friends of 23-year-old Dylan Smith and his family expressed sorrow Monday that someone who saved so many lives during the October storm could lose his own on vacation. A local funeral parlor said funeral arrangements were being made. 

The New York City lifeguard was widely praised after the storm for using his surfboard to move several Queens neighbors endangered by high water and a fire to safety. 

Smith's body was found floating Sunday morning near his surfboard in waters off Maria's Beach in the western Puerto Rican community of Rincon. The town's beaches attract surfers from across the world. 

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Very sad. He would have had such beautiful children, such a good looking, caring young man. Rest in peace my friend.

    Reply#26 - Mon Dec 24, 2012 5:35 PM EST

    I cannot think of anything nicer for anyone than to die doing what you love to do. He went out on top!

      Reply#27 - Mon Dec 24, 2012 5:43 PM EST

      Only the good die young. Rest in peace, young hero.

        Reply#28 - Mon Dec 24, 2012 5:52 PM EST

        Rest in Paradise Brah

        We need more bruddah's like you in this World

        =(

        • 2 votes
        Reply#29 - Mon Dec 24, 2012 5:56 PM EST

        Please speak English???

          #29.1 - Sat Dec 29, 2012 10:15 AM EST
          Reply

          Prayers to his family. It was just his time.

          Inspiration to us all!!!!!!!!!!!!!

            Reply#30 - Mon Dec 24, 2012 5:56 PM EST

            Condolences to his Family and Friends.

              Reply#31 - Mon Dec 24, 2012 5:57 PM EST

              Tragic indeed. Especially at this time of the year. I hope his family finds comfort in knowing that his selfless lifesaving deeds here on earth won't be overlooked with his passage into heaven.

                Reply#32 - Mon Dec 24, 2012 6:04 PM EST

                While he was doing what he loved to do it is so sad he was taken so young. My heart goes out to his family and friends. RIP.

                • 1 vote
                Reply#33 - Mon Dec 24, 2012 6:08 PM EST

                Safe winds and following seas with no sharks for Dylan Smith.

                We have the watch.

                  Reply#34 - Mon Dec 24, 2012 6:16 PM EST

                  Sad to read of his passing, though I don't know him. It's good that he stepped up and helped others in their time of need. Sad to see his chapter in life is over. God be with his family, friends and community as they mourn his passing.

                    Reply#35 - Mon Dec 24, 2012 6:30 PM EST

                    why does this happen?

                      Reply#36 - Mon Dec 24, 2012 6:33 PM EST

                      Sad, but don't we all want to go doing what we like. RIP

                        Reply#37 - Mon Dec 24, 2012 6:33 PM EST

                        May you ride that...Eternal Wave!

                        RIP my Brother!

                        • 1 vote
                        Reply#38 - Mon Dec 24, 2012 6:45 PM EST
                        Comment author avatarAddie Lozanovia Facebook

                        Guess they wanted to have him in this year's Christmas celebration in Heaven to commemorate him for all the great deeds he did with a crown fit for such a "knight"..God Bless his soul and his Loved ones ;)

                          Reply#39 - Mon Dec 24, 2012 6:55 PM EST

                          Rest in peace until the next time you are around, my BRAVE young man.

                            Reply#40 - Mon Dec 24, 2012 7:37 PM EST

                            "Surf's up!" for eternity.

                              Reply#41 - Mon Dec 24, 2012 7:56 PM EST

                              R.I.P. ...live them all like their your last...cause one day there will be...No Time Left For You...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqeSUAlI5uI

                                Reply#42 - Mon Dec 24, 2012 8:06 PM EST

                                The brightest flames often burn the shortest... his family should be proud of what he did during the hurricane. He was definitely a good man and it's unfortunate that he died.

                                  Reply#43 - Mon Dec 24, 2012 8:19 PM EST

                                  rip brother.

                                    Reply#44 - Mon Dec 24, 2012 8:42 PM EST

                                    Being a surfer myself, the story is heartbreaking...

                                    Everything comes from the sea and eventually returns to the sea, the soul of surfer is always at home...

                                      Reply#45 - Mon Dec 24, 2012 8:51 PM EST

                                      RIP brave hero & sincere heartfelt condolences to your family and friends - you shall be greatly missed I'm sure.

                                        Reply#46 - Mon Dec 24, 2012 9:11 PM EST

                                        Should surfboards be allowed, there only purpose is killing.

                                          Reply#48 - Mon Dec 24, 2012 9:47 PM EST

                                          You are a completely ignorant, unfeeling, mockery of a man. You should be ashamed.

                                            #48.1 - Mon Dec 24, 2012 10:03 PM EST

                                            Fubarak....What a .....Dick!

                                              #48.2 - Tue Dec 25, 2012 12:11 AM EST

                                              ....and, actually learn some grammer...moron! There?

                                                #48.3 - Tue Dec 25, 2012 12:13 AM EST
                                                Reply

                                                Obviously God was impressed with him, and needed him for better things. RIP Dylan <3

                                                  Reply#49 - Mon Dec 24, 2012 9:55 PM EST

                                                  He died doing what he loved. May we all be so lucky.

                                                    Reply#50 - Mon Dec 24, 2012 10:01 PM EST

                                                    Right-on! Only a Surfer....Really Knows!

                                                    Happy Holidays to you .....NorEastern!

                                                    Peace,

                                                    Mike

                                                      #50.1 - Tue Dec 25, 2012 12:18 AM EST
                                                      Reply

                                                      RIP Dylan...

                                                      • 1 vote
                                                      Reply#51 - Mon Dec 24, 2012 10:10 PM EST
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