Jorge Alvarado, a 49-year-old surfer from Port Orange, Florida, died on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 following a surfing accident near the Sunglow Pier in Daytona Beach Shores. The incident occurred on Friday, September 13, around 9 a.m. local time.
According to Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue, Alvarado was surfing just south of the Sunglow Pier when he reportedly hit a sandbar and became entangled under the pier. Director Tamra Malphurs stated that a witness saw Alvarado strike a piling with his head before going underwater in an unguarded area.
“It took several minutes to free him,” Malphurs said. “It sounds like the lateral current pushed him into the pier after he hit his head.”
Alvarado was placed on life support following the incident. A GoFundMe page was established to support him and his family financially. On Wednesday, September 18, an update on the page announced Alvarado’s passing.
“It is with a heavy heart that Jorge has passed away,” the update read. “Jorge, rest in paradise brother … Your spirit was as vibrant as the ocean waves you loved to ride. You brought joy and adventure to everyone around you.”
The GoFundMe page had raised over $14,000 before Alvarado’s death was announced.
Friends and fellow surfers described Alvarado as a beloved figure in the Volusia surf community. Chris Chibbaro, a friend of Alvarado, told local media outlet WKMG-TV’s News 6, “Jorge is the embodiment of the phrase ‘this little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine.'”
Another friend, Brian Holmes, spoke of Alvarado’s impact on the community saying he had a jovial spirit and made friends easily.
Holmes also commented on the rarity of such severe accidents in surfing: “We’ve all taken hundreds of falls like this and some of us have had close calls, rubbing into the bottom a few times but you really have to fall just right to have an injury like this.”
The incident has highlighted the potential dangers that surfers can face, even in popular beach locations. Alvarado’s accident occurred in an unguarded area of the beach, emphasizing the importance of water safety and awareness of local conditions.
The surfing community in Volusia County and beyond has expressed an outpouring of support for Alvarado’s family. The GoFundMe page continues to receive donations to help with expenses related to the accident.
Alvarado’s passion for surfing and his impact on those around him were evident in the tributes from friends and fellow surfers.
Local authorities have not released further details about the incident. The Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue continues to emphasize the importance of water safety and encourages surfers and beachgoers to be aware of their surroundings, especially near structures such as piers.