Crime & Safety
Swimmer Found Off Laguna Beach Dies At Mission Viejo Hospital
An Aliso Viejo man was identified as the victim found floating off Laguna Beach. "Never underestimate the power of the ocean," OCFA said.
MISSION VIEJO, CA — An Aliso Viejo man died at the hospital after he was found unconscious in the water off Laguna Beach on Saturday, officials reported.
The Orange County coroner's office reported that Brian Riggs, 52, of Aliso Viejo was pronounced dead at 11:39 a.m. at Mission Hospital Regional Medical Center in Mission Viejo.
Riggs was found about 10:45 a.m. in the heavy surf at 10th Street Beach, just south of 1000 Steps Beach, Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Steve Concialdi said.
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"Lifeguards were able to swim out to him, in the heavy surf, and bring him onto the sand."
The lifeguards immediately did CPR, and at one point the man was in full cardiac arrest. He was taken by helicopter to Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo.
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"OCFA recommends anytime you are in the water to have someone with you," Concialdi said. "You can’t underestimate the power of the ocean. Know your abilities and limitations and heed the advice of the lifeguards. Please never swim alone."
Laguna Beach Police Department Photos
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