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Mother and Son Die in Drowning Incident at Bertie Beach; 11-Year-Old Rescued

BERTIE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, JUL 9 – First responders and beachgoers rescued an 11-year-old girl while recovering the bodies of the mother and son who drowned about 150 yards from shore, officials said.

  • On Tuesday evening at Bertie Beach in Merry Hill, a mother, Shaunna Jernigan, and her 14-year-old son, Timothy, drowned while an 11-year-old girl was rescued.
  • The drowning happened after Timothy began struggling when he was unable to feel the lakebed beneath him, and Shaunna tried to save him but also got into trouble in the water.
  • First responders—including fire, police, EMS personnel—and nearby beach visitors went into the water approximately 150 yards from shore to save the girl and recover Shaunna and Timothy, but despite their life-saving efforts, the mother and son could not be revived.
  • The 11-year-old survivor described floating on an inflatable with her mother while her brother was swimming, and authorities noted the rescuers' and community's efforts including a statement asking for prayers and providing resources.
  • Officials confirmed next of kin notification and expressed condolences, underscoring the risks of swimming without lifeguards and the importance of safety awareness at the county park.
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WCTI broke the news in on Tuesday, July 8, 2025.
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