LINCOLN CITY, OREGON (BNO NEWS) — An elderly man died in Lincoln City, Oregon on Sunday when he was swept out into the Pacific Ocean while trying to save his dog, authorities said.

The 72-year-old man was walking on the beach with his dog at the D River Wayside when, according to witnesses, he threw a stick into the water for his dog to retrieve. When the dog got caught by a wave and was pulled toward the surf, the victim went to try and help his dog.

The man was also pulled into the water when he was hit by another wave. A witness attempted to save the victim but was unable to get him back to the beach, according to the Oregon State Police. Witnesses kept a visual track of the man while emergency responders were notified.

North Lincoln Fire & Rescue arrived minutes later and a rescue swimmer reached the victim, bringing him back to shore where they started CPR. Oregon State Police troopers and Lincoln City police also arrived during this time.

The victim was transported by a Pac West ambulance to Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital where he was pronounced deceased just before 10:00 a.m. The man’s dog was able to get back to shore and survived.

Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife and Patrol Division troopers were on scene gathering witness statements when the victim’s son approached them about the incident. The victim was visiting the Lincoln City area with some family members for the weekend. Troopers helped get family members to the hospital where they were able to positively identify the victim.

The identity of the victim was not immediately released on Sunday.