Crime & Safety
Providence Man, 55, Drowns Trying To Save Swimmers In Bristol
Hoen Chin, 55, was swept underwater while trying to save three teens that were trapped in a rip current, police said.
BRISTOL, RI — A Providence man died after being pulled from the water in Bristol Wednesday afternoon, according to police. Hoen Chin, 55, drowned trying to rescue several teens who became stranded in the surf.
According to Bristol police, Chin and his family came to Narrows Point with friends and family for a beach day, which they had frequently done in the past. Around 2:40 p.m., three teens, two aged 13 and one 14, became trapped in the rip current. Chin jumped into the water to help them and was swept under the water, police said, and the teens were able to get back to shore safely. About five to 10 minutes later, he was pulled from the water by a bystander, and other began performing CPR.
When emergency responders arrived, Chin was rushed to Rhode Island Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
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"The thoughts and prayers of the Bristol Police Department are extended to the Chin family," the department said in a statement.
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