Father dies trying to save daughter swept away by 15-20 foot waves at California’s Garrapata State Park

A tragic accident unfolded at California’s Garrapata State Park when a 7-year-old girl was swept into the ocean amid towering 15 to 20-foot waves, prompting her father to attempt a rescue that ultimately cost him his life.

Garrapata State Park, located in Monterey County, is known for its rugged coastline and strong surf, conditions that can turn perilous in an instant.

According to California State Parks, the girl, initially reported to be 5 years old but later confirmed by family members as 7, was pulled into the rough surf, prompting a desperate attempt by her 39-year-old father, Yuji Hu of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.


“As Hu reached for her, both were carried farther out to sea,” the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. The girl’s mother, whose name has not been publicly released, also entered the water in an attempt to save her daughter but was overtaken by the surf.

An off-duty California State Parks officer witnessed the unfolding emergency and “jumped into action when he spotted a family in distress near the water line” just before 1 pm local time. The officer assisted the mother back to shore and administered CPR to Hu.

Hu was pronounced dead, while the mother suffered from mild hypothermia and was hospitalized. A 2-year-old child present at the scene was unharmed. Both Hu and the mother were transported to local hospitals for care.

Authorities launched extensive air and ground search operations over the weekend to locate the missing girl. Her body was recovered on Sunday, Nov. 16. Authorities reported that the girl’s body was found roughly half a mile north of the spot where she was originally swept into the ocean.

“The family has expressed their gratitude to all agencies, personnel, and community members involved in the search and recovery efforts,” the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office said.