A 28-year-old surfer died of an apparent heart attack Friday after collapsing while surfing off Lido Beach, emergency responders said.

Michael Connolly was surfing with two friends and had a history of heart problems, said Paul Gillespie, chief of Long Beach lifeguards.

Nassau police said Fourth Precinct detectives are investigating the death of Connolly, a Long Beach resident.

Witnesses saw him in distress at about 2:49 p.m., officials said, and he was taken out of the water by lifeguards for Long Beach and Lido Towers.

The surfer had collapsed on his board in the water near the border of Long Beach and Lido Beach, Gillespie said.

Connolly was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 4:20 p.m., police said.

With Ellen Yan and Patrick Whittle

On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," we look at East Islip baseball's inspirational comeback story, Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week and Tess Ferguson breaks down the top defensive players in girls lacrosse. 

Sarra Sounds Off Ep. 35: EI baseball, girls lacrosse and plays of the week On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," we look at East Islip baseball's inspirational comeback story, Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week and Tess Ferguson breaks down the top defensive players in girls lacrosse.

On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," we look at East Islip baseball's inspirational comeback story, Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week and Tess Ferguson breaks down the top defensive players in girls lacrosse. 

Sarra Sounds Off Ep. 35: EI baseball, girls lacrosse and plays of the week On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," we look at East Islip baseball's inspirational comeback story, Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week and Tess Ferguson breaks down the top defensive players in girls lacrosse.

SUBSCRIBE

Unlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 6 months

ACT NOWSALE ENDS SOON | CANCEL ANYTIME