An elderly woman died Monday after being swept into the ocean by a large wave at MacKerricher State Park near Fort Bragg in Mendocino County, authorities said.
The incident occurred around 2 p.m. Dec. 22 at MacKerricher Beach, according to a news release prepared by Capt. Quincy Cromer of the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday.
Bystanders rescued the woman from the water and brought her to shore, but she became unresponsive and lost consciousness.
California State Parks personnel were on the scene along with Cal Fire. Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched after Cal Fire requested assistance.
According to the news release, advanced life-saving measures were performed but were unsuccessful, and the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
Deputies said no one at the beach knew the woman, and she appeared to be visiting the park alone. She is described as an elderly white female in her 70s with no identifying features or documents.
Authorities said there were no suspicious circumstances and that the incident was witnessed by bystanders.
Deputies checked nearby vehicles and contacted other law enforcement agencies to determine if any missing persons reports matched the woman, but her identity has not yet been confirmed.
An autopsy will be conducted by a forensic pathologist in the coming week. Officials said the official cause and manner of death will not be released until the examination is complete.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office at 707-463-4086.