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Teen Dies After Knocked Unconscious at Popular CA Surf Spot

Originally posted on SURFER | By Dashel Pierson | Last updated Nov 22, 2025 3:20 PM ET

A teenager has died following a surfing accident in Santa Cruz, California.

Nathaniel John Ramirez, 19, paddled out at The Hook on the east side of Santa Cruz on November 5th. Reportedly, Ramirez was caught in the whitewash as heavy swell pounded the coast. This was around the same time that large waves and king tides were hitting the California coast, resulting in a portion of cliff to collapse, also in Santa Cruz.

Rescuers jumped into the water to save Ramirez, who, according to officials, had sustained a head injury and was knocked unconscious. He was rushed to the hospital following the rescue. Now, the Santa Cruz Sheriff’s department has announced that Ramirez sadly passed away on November 7th, two days after the incident took place.

Ramirez reportedly paddled out with a friend on that fateful day. While the friend made it past the whitewater, Ramirez did not. While trapped in the impact zone, rescuers jumped in to save him. His board was later found smashed against the rocks.

“As the rescue paddlers rushed to him, Ramirez disappeared from view and was eventually discovered unconscious with trauma to his head,” reported the Santa Cruz Sentinel. “He was extracted from the water, CPR was applied and he was quickly transported to Dignity Health Dominican Hospital. An official with the Central Fire District told the Sentinel that Ramirez never regained consciousness during that rescue process.”

After hospitalization, Ramirez was reported dead at 1:20am on November 7th. No official cause of death has been released as of yet.

Following the tragedy, an obituary for Ramirez was posted online. In it, they celebrated the young man, gone too soon. One passage read:

“If he wanted something, he was going to work hard and fight to get it. He was so funny and always joking around but could also come off as shy at times. There were so many layers to him. He was loving, caring, giving, supportive and strong.”

Rest in peace, Nathaniel John Ramirez.

This article first appeared on SURFER and was syndicated with permission.

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