Teen drowns at Coney Island beach on opening day after experiencing a medical episode in the water, according to the mother.
A tragic incident unfolded at Coney Island last week when an 18-year-old Brooklyn resident, Jun Alexander Obas, drowned near the famous Cyclone rollercoaster. The young man, who faced challenges associated with autism and epilepsy, reportedly suffered a medical episode while in the water, prompting immediate concerns from his family.
On the afternoon of August 8, 2025, Obas was accompanied by his mother, Karla Judith Obas, and his two sisters during what would be his first visit to the beach. Despite her longstanding apprehensions about water safety due to Jun’s medical conditions, Karla ultimately decided to allow her son to enjoy this special outing, radiating enthusiasm at the prospect of engaging in activities typically reserved for most teenagers.
The family initially enjoyed their beach time together, with Karla capturing moments on her cellphone—images depicting the joyous atmosphere as they splashed in the gentle surf. However, the conditions changed rapidly. Around 3 p.m., as waves intensified, Jun appeared to experience a medical episode, causing him to become submerged in approximately two feet of water.
Karla’s attempts to rescue her son were underscored by the magnitude of his weight, which complicated their efforts. Despite the swift response from beachgoers and lifeguards, attempts to resuscitate him proved unsuccessful. Medics transported Jun to South Brooklyn Health, where he was pronounced dead roughly 20 minutes after arriving. An initial autopsy yielded inconclusive results, necessitating further examination to ascertain the exact cause of death, according to a spokesperson for the city Medical Examiner’s Office.
As Jun’s family navigates this profound loss, Karla reflected on her son’s life, remarking on the joy he exhibited during their beach visit. Rather than preparing for his upcoming birthday next month, she now faces the daunting task of arranging his funeral. Karla expressed that Junior had managed his medical conditions well with medications, and she had received no caution from healthcare professionals about his beach visit.
The incident has reignited discussions on beach safety, particularly for those with medical conditions. Swimming was permitted in the area at the time of Jun’s drowning, and a representative from the city’s Parks Department conveyed their condolences, emphasizing the importance of their lifeguards’ diligent efforts to ensure public safety.
This heartbreaking event comes on the heels of similar tragedies near the region, raising ongoing concerns about water safety protocols, especially considering the increasing popularity of public beaches during the summer months. Local authorities continue to stress adherence to safety guidelines, especially as swimming is prohibited in adverse weather conditions and after lifeguards conclude their shifts at 6 p.m.
