News Release

Drowning at South Beach on Friday, November 10, 2023

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Date: November 16, 2023
Contact: Christine Beekman, 415-464-5135

POINT REYES STATION, California – The National Park Service responded to a possible drowning at South Beach on Friday, November 10, 2023.

At approximately 9 am, units responded to Point Reyes South Beach on reports of a person swept into the water. The individual was fishing near the shoreline and was observed to be swept out by a rogue or "sneaker" wave.

Water resources were immediately deployed. The victim was located and airlifted to South Beach just after 10 am. The individual was pronounced dead at the scene.

Responding agencies included the National Park Service, Marin County Sheriff's Office, California Highway Patrol, United States Coast Guard, Sonoma County Sheriff's Office, Marin County Fire Department, and REACH.

On November 14, 2023, the Marin County Coroner's Office positively identified the decedent as Richard Sumi, a 73-year-old male from Hercules, California.

"Our deepest sympathies go out to Mr. Sumi's family and friends," expressed park superintendent Craig Kenkel.

The incident is under investigation by the National Park Service.

www.nps.gov

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 425 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.



Last updated: April 5, 2024

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Point Reyes Station, CA 94956

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