Surfer Dies in Humboldt County
On Sunday afternoon, a woman died after a surfing incident in Northern California.
Two women were surfing Moonstone Beach, near the Humboldt County town of Trinidad, when bystanders noticed trouble. Emergency services were called in.
Here’s a press release from the Humboldt County Sherriff’s Office:
“On May 14, 2023, at about 3:51 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to Moonstone Beach near Trinidad for the report of a surfer in distress.
“According to witnesses, two women were surfing in the ocean when one of them, later identified as 25-year-old Martina Marie Scarfia of Eureka, reportedly became unattached from the surfboard and was overcome by waves. Another beachgoer was notified of the emergency and swam out to rescue Scarfia. She was recovered from the water and transported to a local hospital via helicopter by the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Humboldt Bay. Scarfia was later pronounced deceased.”
“An autopsy is in the process of being scheduled. Cause and manner of death remain under investigation, pending the results of the autopsy.”
And following the incident, Marie Scarfia’s sister, Asia, who was the other surfer with her in the water, posted a tribute to her late sister on Facebook.
“My beautiful baby sister took her last breath yesterday. I am so proud of everything she has done and the amazing person she has become. She graduated from Nursing School with honors on Saturday. We celebrated as a family and paddled out together one last time until paradise. I love you.”
Sad news out of Northern California; stay safe out there.
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