Surfer dies in Newport Beach

The body of a surfer found floating face down in the surf of Newport Beach was identified today as a 44-year-old Costa Mesa man.

Paul Holden was body surfing alone near 13th Street and West Ocean Front Way when he was found about 1:45 p.m. Thursday, said Lt. Rob Morton of Newport Beach Police.

He was taken to Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian where he was pronounced dead.

-- My-Thuan Tran

Comments

[Peter]

WOAH ! DUDE !

IT's STOKIN' !!

[Joe Jerhico]

I wonder what happened to the dude? Alone, sure, but were they any other body-boarders around? RIP

[mattteo]

Rest in peace Paul!

[audreyreber]

I was there that day and witnessed the lifeguards attempt to revive him. There were lots of people around and three women noticed him floating, and alerted another gentleman to go try to pull him in, and he did and thats when the tatooed gentleman tried CPR first, then the lifeguards came and worked on him for a good 8-10 minutes before an ambulance showed up. I walked over and prayed over him, but I felt he was already gone. Sad because no one noticed where he came from, where his stuff was, no towel, no id. He was just body surfing alone. There were 8-10 foot waves with riptides. It was sad, there were tons of people watching, and LOTS of kids. Dont swim alone folks. It could have made a difference if he was with someone. Poor guy....hopefully he is swimming in the surf in the sky.

[donna mills]

This was a young and vibrant man...I knew him over the years for around half of the present decade as the mgr. of Mothers, but Paul was a friend! He possessed the charm and charisma of the true Englishman that he was--a transplant! How lucky we all were just to have known him. He was just that special!)) How very, very sad someone who was so endearing to those around him is gone. Peace to you Paul as you continue on your journey..best of love to your kids who remain.