Posts tagged with "death"

Babble 05/06/2008

Surfer Found Dead Off the Channel Islands

Authorities have found the body of a 43-year-old San Diego man who disappeared while surfing with friends off Santa Cruz Island.

John M. Wagner was found dead in the water about 20 miles south of Ventura Harbor on Friday, the Ventura County coroner’s office said.

While surfing a break on the island with friends, Wagner went underwater for unknown reasons about 5 p.m., according to a Coast Guard official. The island is part of the Channel Islands National Park, and it was park rangers who found his body.

The autopsy will be conducted in Santa Barbara County where the death occurred.

The cause of death is unknown. Internet chatter on the SURFERmag.com message board suggests Wagner’s death may have been from a head injury. The area is known for its shallow, rocky conditions. No official word on the cause of death has been given at this time.