Last Updated on August 3, 2026 7:19 pm
A Lenoir man who worked at a popular Blowing Rock restaurant has died alongside his father in a weekend incident at Holden Beach, according to police and the young man's employer.
The Holden Beach Police Department identified the victims as Daniel Jason Roberts, 46, and Dylan Daniel Roberts, 20, both of Lenoir. Police have not confirmed the relationship between the two men, but the victims' family said they were father and son.
Emergency crews responded to the 1100 block of Ocean Boulevard West at approximately 9:45 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 2, after Brunswick County Communications received reports of two people struggling in the water. First responders began rescue and life support efforts, but both men were pronounced dead at the scene.
Police have not formally attributed the deaths to a specific cause. The Holden Beach area saw moderate-to-high rip current risk over the weekend, according to weather reports. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected,” Holden Beach Police Chief Steven Barger said in a news release, extending condolences on behalf of the town to the families and loved ones of both victims.
Dylan Roberts worked at the Town Tavern in Blowing Rock. In a Facebook post Sunday, the restaurant announced it would close for the remainder of the weekend to give staff time to grieve, saying Dylan was far more than an employee and had been bringing “unmistakable energy, warmth, and positive spirit to the Tavern day after day.”
The restaurant said Dylan had been building a life with his longtime girlfriend, Maggie Day, and asked the community to keep her, along with Dylan's family and loved ones, in their thoughts. The Tavern said it would share information in the coming days on how the community can support the family.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
