Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Body surfer killed in big OC surf
“The Wedge” – the spectacular but dangerous body-surfing spot in Newport Beach – claimed a life this afternoon.
A swimmer who challenged 20-foot waves was thrown into the jetty at “The Wedge.” Witnesses in the large crowd that gathered to watch the surf say the man was caught in a set of large waves that pitched him into the rocks that make up the Newport jetty.
Lifeguards in a rescue boat pulled him out of the surf and administered CPR. The man died later at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian in Newport Beach.
Waves at “The Wedge” have been close to 25 feet high today. Body boarder Chris Branscombe rode the waves earlier in the day. He got out after a couple of hours.
Chris Branscombe: "There are sets that come in and can do some damage if you’re in the wrong spot. So you just gotta read the water right, and just know where you stand and everything will be all right, y’know?"
Lifeguards at Newport Beach rescued dozens of people from the dangerous surf today.
A storm in the South Pacific earlier this week churned up the high surf that’s hammering south-facing beaches. A rip current advisory is in effect at all Orange County beaches.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
