Man dies after saving sister from water at St. Johns County beach

It’s been a rough 24 hours for those who work at Nimnicht Chevrolet off Cassat Avenue.

They are struggling to cope with the loss of Robert Hickson, who was pulled under by a rip current and never resurfaced at Guana River State Park on Sunday.

“He was a spark plug, he’s got this contagious laugh that his customers loved him,” said Sales Director Lionel Lawrence.

Deputies said he and his family were at the beach Sunday evening when his sister needed help.

They said Hickson jumped in after her and tried to save her.

“He pushed her up to the sand and when she turned around, he was gone,” said Lawrence.

Search crews from Coast Guard sector Jacksonville patrolled the waters last night.

Monday morning, a deputy found a body in shallow water.

Deputies said they believe it could be Hickson.

“Everyone you go to, they cant speak or talk without crying,” said Lawrence.

Workers said they held a memorial service this morning for Hickson.

Deputies said the body suspected to be Hickson’s is being sent to the medical examiner’s office for a positive ID and cause of death.

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