Dangerous Surf Claims 4 Lives on the Northern California Coast

It was a dangerous and tragic weekend along the Northern California coast as high surf claimed four lives, including two young children.

On Saturday, a 48-year-old Southern California resident David Reyes Juarez was visiting the Marin Headlands taking photos with extended family when he fell into the water. He was immediately swept to sea as his family attempted to help from the rocky shore. After 45 minutes, his body was located in the foamy water by search and rescue officials.

On Sunday, a family was visiting the beach near Goat Rock in Sonoma County when the 40-year-old Michael Wyman and his two children were swept out to sea. The father attempted to save the children, but was found unresponsive in the surf later that day. The two children, aged 4 and 7, are still missing more than 24 hours later.

Search for the children was set to continue on Tuesday, including several agencies and a helicopter crew.

“We will keep looking,” said State Park Ranger Sgt. Tim Murphy.

The families were visiting the coast during a particularly dangerous swell over the weekend. Park rangers had even locked the gate to Goat Rock Beach parking lot due to the forecast, but there was still access to the nearby Blind Beach remained open for people willing to make a steep hike down to the beach.