BIG SUR, Calif. — The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office has identified the man who tragically lost his life while trying to save his young daughter from strong ocean waves at Garrapata State Beach on Friday as 39-year-old Yuji Hu of Alberta, Canada.
Authorities reported that Hu was attempting to rescue his 5-year-old daughter when both were pulled into the surf, where waves reached heights of 15 to 20 feet. Hu’s wife also tried to assist and was swept into the water, but she managed to reach shore and was treated for mild hypothermia. The family’s 2-year-old child remained unharmed.
An off-duty California State Parks Officer pulled Hu from the water and performed CPR, but Hu was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. Despite an extensive search involving multiple rescue agencies, the 5-year-old has not been located.
“Large-scale search operations have now been suspended,” the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office said, though California State Parks will continue a smaller-scale search along the shoreline at Garrapata State Beach.
This tragic event has shocked the Big Sur community, highlighting both the unpredictability and dangers of the California coast. Authorities are urging visitors to exercise extreme caution in strong surf conditions.
Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.
