A 25-year-old Eureka resident, tragically lost her life in a surfing incident at California’s Moonstone Beach on May 14, just one day after her nursing school graduation.
Martina Marie Scarfia was seen surfing with another woman when she was overwhelmed by the strong waves, causing her to fall from her surfboard, as reported in a press statement by the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office.
A fellow beachgoer, in a valiant effort, risked his own life to save her.
Despite the swift response by the US Coast Guard, who transferred Scarfia to a nearby medical facility, her injuries were too severe and ultimately fatal.
Scarfia had just celebrated her graduation from the College of the Redwoods nursing program a day before the tragic accident. Her sister, Asia Autumn Scarfia-Ward, took to Facebook to share a heartfelt tribute, extolling Scarfia’s achievements.
In a poignant last tribute, the family commemorated Scarfia’s accomplishments with a final group surf.
The incident took place at Moonstone Beach, a reputed surfing destination about 300 miles northwest of Sacramento, which attracts enthusiasts from all over.
In a separate incident on April 15, a 51-year-old man tragically lost his life while surfing near the Cove, a renowned surfing spot in Seaside, Oregon, infamous for its treacherous conditions. He was discovered by his friends, unconscious and face-down in the water. Immediate CPR was administered by bystanders before the arrival of fire and rescue services. Despite their best efforts, he was pronounced dead upon reaching a local hospital.