Surfer dies in high waves off Newport Beach [Updated]
A surfer in Newport Beach was killed this morning amid high waves, though the cause of the incident is still undetermined.
The man was still unidentified tonight, said Lt. Scott McKnight of the Newport Beach Police Department.
[Updated at 10:53 p.m.: The Orange County coroner has identified the man as Gregory Gladstone, 38, of Newport Beach.]
About 10 a.m., McKnight said, lifeguards received a report of an unattended surfboard in the water off the beach at 15th Street, which at the time had 6- to 10-foot waves. Near the board, they found a man floating unconscious.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Harbor Patrol took him to medics waiting on the Newport Beach pier. They took him to Hoag Hospital, where he died, McKnight said.
-- Sam Quinones
EDITOR'S PICKS:
As a Christian Baptist, I pray for this surfer's peace and salvation as our Lord called him home today. I'm in a Surfing Ministry and as a beginner I see the advanced surfer's passion for the sport. It's a Godsend to go surfing, a unique outdoor activity God has Blessed us with. I pray this surfer is soon identified. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Posted by: John L Mendez | January 23, 2010 at 10:39 PM
As tragic as this story is, a 6-10 ft. wave is not a "high" one.
Posted by: Surfer Calavera | January 24, 2010 at 05:30 PM
Obiously, Newport Beach "made a pact with the devil," hence the death. *S*
Posted by: John Dingler | January 25, 2010 at 12:46 AM