(KRON) — An unidentified elderly woman died Monday after being swept off a rock by a large wave along the Northern California coast. According to the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to the area of MacKerricher Beach at MacKerricher State Park around 2 p.m.
Deputies responded and learned that the victim, a woman in her 70s, was knocked off a rock by a wave and swept out into the ocean. Bystanders were able to rescue the woman and bring her back to shore.
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However, after being pulled from the surf, she became unresponsive and lost consciousness. Despite advanced life-saving measures, the woman was pronounced deceased at the scene by fire and medical personnel.
Deputies conducted an investigation on the scene. They found that no one knew the woman and she visited the park alone. She is described as an elderly woman in her 70s with no unique identifying features and no identification on her person.
Police say there were no suspicious circumstances connected to the incident, which was witnessed by the bystanders who rescued the woman from the ocean. Investigative efforts are ongoing and sheriff’s deputies are still trying to positively identify the woman.
The incident occurred as the Bay Area and much of Northern California is bracing for a pair of holiday storms that are expected to bring strong winds, rain, and possible thunderstorms. State officials are urging people to reconsider Christmas travel plans as the storms are expected to significantly impact travel.