Authorities Seek to Identify Woman Killed by Wave at Mendocino County Beach

California State Parks and the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office are continuing efforts to identify a woman who died after being swept into the ocean by a large wave at MacKerricher State Park last week.

According to a press release from California State Parks, the incident occurred around 2 p.m. on December 22 near MacKerricher Beach. Emergency responders were told the woman had been standing on rocks when a powerful wave knocked her into the water.

Bystanders witnessed the incident and were able to pull the woman from the ocean and bring her back to shore. She later became unresponsive, and despite advanced life-saving efforts by fire and medical personnel, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office conducted a coroner’s investigation and determined the incident was accidental. Authorities reported no suspicious circumstances and said the event was witnessed by multiple people who attempted to help.

The woman has not yet been identified. She is described as white, in her 70s, with no distinguishing tattoos or scars, and she was not carrying identification. Deputies checked nearby parking areas and contacted other law enforcement agencies to look for missing person reports that may match her description.

Anyone with information that could help identify the woman is urged to contact the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office.