CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. — A Goose Creek man who served as a technical sergeant and firefighter in the United States Air Force died Sunday after being pulled from the water on Folly Beach, according to the Charleston County Coroner’s Office.
Coroner Bobbi Jo O’Neal identified the victim as 33‑year‑old Joa’n Ramon Ortega. Ortega was recovered from the water on April 5 and transported to the James Island Emergency Department, where he was pronounced dead at 1:59 p.m.
Folly Beach Public Safety is leading the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Ortega’s sister, Yani Ortega Smith, shared a moving tribute on social media, describing her brother as “the most noble, patient, selfless, kind and gentle human being I have ever met.” She said he was a quiet hero who dedicated his life to helping others — often through charity work and nonprofit efforts he never publicized.
“He was always my hero. My role model. There was nobody like him,” Smith wrote. “He helped people and never asked for anything in return. His level of empathy was just beyond.”
Smith said her brother’s strength and calmness continue to give her peace as she grieves. “Even now, Joa’n, your strength is holding me up,” she wrote. “We will honor your legacy by being all of the best parts of you.”
Officials have not released additional details regarding the circumstances of Ortega’s death. The coroner’s office says Folly Beach Public Safety is the investigating agency.
