By EMS1 Staff
PRINCETON, N.J. — A New Jersey EMT who was swept away in flood waters while attempting to search a submerged car during Hurricane Irene has died from his injuries.
Michael Kenwood, 39, had been hospitalized since he was pulled from the water early Sunday with undisclosed injuries, the Times of Trenton said.
Kenwood was a member of the Princeton First Aid and Rescue squad. He is the fifth person to be killed by the storm in New Jersey.
Kenwood was dispatched to investigate the submerged car because it was feared someone was trapped in the vehicle, the Times of Trenton said. He was tied to another man before entering the water, and they attempted to turn back after realizing the current was too strong.
One of the men fell, according to Greg Paulson, deputy director of the squad. The two men were tied to a line being tended by rescue squad members on the shore, but came free of the line, Paulson said.
Gov. Chris Christie wrongly reported Sunday that Kenwood had already died. He later apologized for having received bad information, theAssociated Press said.