Laguna Beach Men Attempt To Save Drowning Surfer Off Doheny

DANA POINT, CA — On a day of big waves off the shore of Doheny State Beach, a surfer perished in the water during a huge swell Tuesday, according to reports. Timothy Gray O'Connor, 68, of Dana Point, was identified as the victim who was found at approximately 4:30 p.m. near Tower 11, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Department. The cause of death has not yet been determined, according to Braun.

O'Connor was discovered face down in the water by several Laguna Beach surfers who were catching the 6-foot plus swell, as well as a semi-retired lifeguard, according to the Orange County Register.

Hundreds of surfers of varying strengths were in the water "battling to catch waves as it hit," one witness told the Register. Many were learning to surf, and it is unclear if O'Connor was an experienced surfer as of this report.

Several Laguna Beach residents saw the unconscious man floating, and worked O'Connor back on his surfboard, according to the Register.

James Pribram, a former pro surfer from Laguna Beach, told the Register that he had just finished his surf session when he "heard all these people screaming in the water." According to Pribram in an email to the Register, it was "the type of scream when you know something is tragically wrong."

At least three people towed O'Connor back to shore on his surf board, and attempted life saving CPR.

Orange County Fire Authority paramedics transported O'Conner to Mission Hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time after.

"Everyone did everything they could to save him," Pribram said in his statement. "No one ever gave up."

David Okun, photo