Wave Sweeps Georgia Man Out to Sea, Presumed Dead

DEPOE BAY, OREGON — An Athens man was killed Friday when a wave pulled him out to sea on the Oregon coast, according to Oregon State Police.

Kelly Bennett Smith, 26, was visiting the west coast for the first time with five other friends after finishing up a job in Corvallis, according to a OSP release.

Smith and another friend climbed out on the rocks beyond the viewpoint to get close to the water to take some photos, when a rogue wave approached and struck them from behind. Smith was pulled by the current out into the rough seas.

Smith was seen alive in the surf for approximately seven minutes before sinking below the water.

Authorities warn visitors to never turn their backs on the waves.

"They're called sneaker waves because they appear without warning, often surging high up on the beach with deadly force, and are impossible to predict," according to Oregon Parks & Recreation Department website. "Sneaker waves also carry a large amount of sand that can saturate your clothes, weighing you down and making escape difficult if not impossible."