TOPSAIL, N.C. (WECT) – The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center announced the passing of its founder.

Jean Beasley died on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 90.

Beasley built and named the sea turtle hospital in memory of her daughter, Karen, and has been saving sea turtles for over fifty years, according to the center.

“We are sad to share that Jean Beasley passed away early this morning, in the company of loved ones. She is greatly missed,” wrote the center in a Facebook post. “Mrs. Jean, thank you for sharing your dreams with us. You inspired us to create a better world – for the turtles, for Mother Ocean, and for all. We will do our best to carry forward your legacy. Swim in Peace.”

The center said in October that Beasley’s conservation efforts resulted in 3,027 protected turtle nests and 245,839 emerged hatchlings since she began recording her data back in 1995.

Beasley retired back in February 2021, with Kathy Zagzebski appointed as the new executive director for the center.

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