NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., July 25 (UPI) -- Fire officials in Newport Beach, Calif., say a body surfer was killed when large waves slammed his body onto rocks at a popular surfing spot.
The Orange County (Calif.) Register said Saturday the surfer, whose age and identity were not reported, died Friday after being pulled from the water at a Newport Beach surfing locale known as the Wedge.
Newport Beach Fire Department spokeswoman Jennifer Schulz said the surfer was thrown onto area rocks by waves up to 20 feet high.
While lifeguards quickly rescued the injured man via a lifeguard boat, the surfer was later pronounced dead at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian.
Officials said strong surf also caused three surfers in Dana Point, Calif., to become separated from their surfboards Friday. Those individuals were able to make it safely back to shore.
"The surf is extreme this week," Schulz told the Register.
"It's not just the size of the waves," she added, "it's also creating really strong currents."
