NR 21-38 Update: Swimmer Missing off Melbourne Beach

The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office is continuing the search for a missing swimmer near the 4000 block of Melbourne Beach.  The search began yesterday evening at approximately 6:30 p.m., when it was reported that two persons were struggling in the surf, just east of Ponce de Leon Park.  Upon the arrival of deputies, the female swimmer had been assisted to shore by persons on the beach who were in the process of providing life saving measures.   According to witnesses, the female was in the water with a male companion who went under the surface and did not reappear.  The female was transported to a local hospital where she later was pronounced deceased.

Law enforcement and personnel from the Sheriff’s Office, Melbourne Beach Police Department, Indialantic Police Department, Brevard County Fire Rescue, Brevard County Ocean Rescue and the Coast Guard were involved in the search of the area until darkness forced search efforts to be suspended.   Personnel from the Sheriff’s Office Agricultural Marine Unit, Aviation Unit and Brevard County Fire Rescue resumed the search at daybreak this morning in an attempt to locate the missing male.

The 23-year-old female victim has been identified as Zandria Scott and the 26-year-old male is identified as Geronimo Deangelo Black, both residents of Palm Bay.

Anyone who may have information about this incident are asked to please call Agent Don Reynolds of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit at 321-633-8413 or via the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center at 321-633-7162.

For additional information concerning this News Release, please call PIO Tod Goodyear of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office at 321-501-7594.