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Boogie Boarder Dies From Injuries Off Santa Cruz

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (AP) — Santa Cruz authorities say a boogie boarder has died after powerful waves sent him crashing into rocks.

Officials say 47-year-old James Zenk of Mountain View was boarding in rough waters near the Santa Cruz Lighthouse on Friday afternoon despite warnings that the surf was dangerous and he should move.

The National Weather Service had issued a high surf advisory Friday, predicting swells from 11 to 13 feet.

The Santa Cruz Sentinel reports the first rescuers who tried to save the boogie boarder were injured and couldn't reach him because of the large swells.

A second set of rescue swimmers was able to pull out the man, who was unconscious and suffering from critical injuries. He was taken to a local hospital where he died.

(Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

 

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