Outpouring of support for the family of teen
By JACK FICHTER/Sentinel staff
CAPE MAY — Norman V. Inferrera III, 16, of Phoenixville, Pa., a first-year lifeguard with the Cape May Beach Patrol, died Aug. 21 at Cooper University Hospital from injuries suffered on duty when the boat he was rowing was broadsided by a wave and capsized.
Inferrera was rowing off Reading Avenue on Aug. 19 when his boat was flipped over by a wave, knocking him unconscious after the boat hit his head, according to City Manager Mike Voll.
Fellow lifeguards responded immediately to his aid. Inferrera later was declared comatose at Cooper.
“My heart, prayers and condolences go out to the Inferrera family,” Mayor Zack Mullock said. “Even at such a young age, Norman was loved by his fellow lifeguards. No words can express the sadness suffered by all of our beach patrol family. Norman chose to protect others. He did so professionally and worked hard at it. That is an extraordinary attribute for anyone, especially at 16 years old. The Cape May community cares so deeply for those who protect us. I know this entire community is going to do anything it can for Norman’s family and friends.”
Other southern New Jersey beach patrols sent their lifeguards to the city to assist following the incident.
They also posted messages of support for the family and their fellow lifeguards in Cape May.
Cape May Beach Patrol Chief Harry Back expressed his condolences.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the Inferrera family. He was a beloved member of our beach patrol family. Norman had a permanent smile on his face and was living out his dream to be a lifeguard.”
Grief counselors were provided for all beach patrol staff. The city issued a proclamation asking flags to be flown at half-staff for the weekend in Inferrera’s honor.
“Chief Back and the entire beach patrol have shown the utmost professionalism, while simultaneously providing care to all those touched so deeply by Norman,” Voll said.
Inferrera’s aunt, Kathleen Inferrera Price, established a GoFundMe page to help with medical bills. As of Monday, more than 2,000 persons had contributed to the account.
“The Lord called my beautiful nephew Norman home last night. The family is overwhelmed with sorrow. The bright light in this tragedy is the support and prayers that have been pouring in,” she stated in a Facebook post.
Later she noted how wonderful the support has been and how grateful the family is to learn the beach in Cape May is being named after Norman.
“Norman Inferrera’s family is overwhelmed by the kindness and words of encouragement by such an astonishing amount of people. Your love and support at this time of complete devastation will forever be remembered,” Inferrera Price wrote.
“We received news from the Cape May Beach Patrol today that a beach in Cape May is being named after Norman,” she added in the post. “The family is deeply moved and became very emotional upon the news. The CMBP also made us aware than 100 percent of the medical bills will be covered through the city insurance.”
“Based on this, we anticipate there will be a substantial amount of funds remaining. We are establishing scholarships in memory of Norma V. Inferrera III. The scholarships will be issued on an annual basis to the Cape May Beach Patrol Cannone Scholarship Fund and Norman’s high school Phoenixville Area High School,” she wrote. “Champ would be so glad to know that he will be helping future college-bound students achieve their dreams and goals. I can clearly see his smile now.”
The city will charter a bus Aug. 27 to transport Cape May Beach Patrol members to Phoenixville to attend Inferrera’s memorial service. Cape May’s beaches will be guarded that day by members of other beach patrols, according to Voll.