Shark Attack: Santa Cruz County Man's Cause Of Death Released

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — The Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office said the 26-year-old surfer killed in a Saturday afternoon shark attack died after a shark bit his right knee, puncturing an artery and vein.

Ben Kelly's death was ruled as accidental, the sheriff's office said.

The sheriff's office was called to Manresa State Beach — about a mile south of the parking lot and five miles west of Watsonville — around 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

Kelly was attacked by an unknown species of shark about 100 yards offshore and pronounced dead at the scene.

The Manresa State Beach Waters are set to reopen Thursday after a five-day closure period.

Kelly was a self-taught surfbound shaper who loved to surf the world, his website said. He went to school in the Orange County area.

"What started as a way to fuel my own surfing passion has now become a way to stoke out my fellow surfers, and that is truly fulfilling to me," he wrote. "It’s the way I have found to give back to others."

Kelly was remembered by a friend for the way his strong Christian faith influenced everything he did, from his generosity to his sincerity, KSBW reported.

Loved ones plan to paddle out in honor of his memory, the station said.

Bay City News and Patch staffer Ashley Ludwig contributed to this report.