Garrapata State Beach, California — A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded on Friday at Garrapata State Beach in Monterey County, California, where a Calgary father lost his life while attempting to save his five-year-old daughter after a powerful wave swept her into the ocean.
According to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, 39-year-old Yuji Hu entered the cold, turbulent waters when his daughter was suddenly pulled off the shoreline by waves estimated at 15 to 20 feet high. As he reached for her, both were dragged further out into the ocean’s strong current.
The child’s mother also rushed in to help but was overpowered by the waves. She managed to make it back to shore and was later treated for mild hypothermia. A two-year-old sibling, who was also present, was not injured.
A Good Samaritan, along with an off-duty California State Parks officer, managed to pull Hu from the water and performed CPR until emergency responders arrived. He was transported to a nearby hospital but could not be revived and was pronounced dead.
The five-year-old girl remains missing.
Large Search Efforts Suspended
Coast Guard crews, lifeguards, and state park officials conducted extensive search efforts from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, but the child was not located. Authorities confirmed that large-scale operations have now been suspended, though California State Parks will continue shoreline searches on foot.
The tragedy has devastated the family, who are being supported by officials and loved ones. A representative has requested privacy, and the family has chosen not to make a public statement at this time.