A 55-year-old U.S. citizen, identified by authorities as McLaughlin, was found dead off Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, officials said Tuesday.

The Red Cross said it received an emergency call around 3 p.m. Tuesday reporting the body of a man near the shore at Tamarindo Beach in Guanacaste province.

According to reports, tourists spotted the man in the water and brought him to the shoreline.

When rescue crews arrived, they found McLaughlin unresponsive, in cardiac arrest and not breathing. He was pronounced dead at the scene, indicating he had died before medical personnel could assist.

Red Cross paramedics coordinated with local police and the Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ) to handle the incident.

The body was later transported to the OIJ morgue facilities in Heredia province, where forensic specialists will perform an autopsy to determine the official cause of death.

Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing, and specific details have not been released. Only the victim’s family members are authorized to request additional information.

The U.S. Embassy is developing an informational campaign, “Aquatic Safety Tips for Travelers,” aimed at alerting tourists and expatriate residents to stay informed and take precautions to avoid accidents while traveling.

“Water-related incidents can occur at beaches, rivers and recreational water areas and are often linked to risks visitors may not be familiar with, such as rip currents,” the embassy said in a statement.

Each year, more than 1.6 million U.S. citizens visit Costa Rica, including more than 150,000 during spring break, authorities noted. For that reason, officials have outlined a series of recommendations to help travelers avoid deadly rip currents, identify beaches with unsafe conditions and exercise caution when participating in adventure activities, among other safety measures.

The Embassy also provides guidance and assistance to families of American citizens who die abroad, depending on whether relatives were traveling with the deceased or living in the country.

“The Consular Section can provide information on funeral homes that arrange local burials or prepare remains for shipment to the United States,” the embassy said on its website. “The Consular Section also issues a Consular Report of Death Abroad, which serves as a U.S. death certificate for legal purposes.”

The embassy noted it does not cover funeral, repatriation or burial expenses for Americans who die overseas. However, family members are not required to travel to Costa Rica to manage arrangements, as embassy officials can coordinate with local authorities and service providers on their behalf.

For more information, individuals may contact the U.S. Embassy at 506-2519-2590 or 506-2519-2093. An after-hours emergency line is available at 506-2519-2000.

The OIJ, a division of Costa Rica’s Supreme Court of Justice, is responsible for conducting criminal investigations and has nationwide police authority.

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