Body On Beach Identified As Missing Newark Scuba Diver: Police

NEWARK, CA — A body discovered last week on the shore of Fan Shell Beach in Monterey County has been identified as a missing scuba diver from Newark, according to authorities.

Zachary Nelson, 27, was identified after he disappeared Jan. 28 while scuba diving, authorities said. Four divers entered the water but they experienced equipment issues, according to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, which said three of the divers made it to shore, but Nelson was hit by a large wave while struggling about 100 meters offshore and did not resurface.

Authorities investigated 128 square nautical miles over nearly 18 hours using helicopters, a 47-foot lifeboat, a drone, divers, and surface swimmers, but suspended the search the day after Nelson's disappearance due to high surf and deteriorating conditions. Nelson’s body was found Friday morning on the northern end of the beach, police said.