What was supposed to be a romantic California getaway turned into an unimaginable tragedy when a couple was swept into the ocean by a powerful rogue wave, leaving a 30-year-old woman dead and her husband hospitalized.
The incident occurred Wednesday, October 14, at Sycamore Cove Beach in Ventura County, near Malibu.
The victim, Kaylee Molina, and her husband, Roberto Clemente, 32, were visiting from El Paso, Texas. The couple, who had been together for 10 years, had traveled to the beach to enjoy the Southern California coastline.
According to NBC Los Angeles, the couple was near rocks when a large wave suddenly swept them into the water.
In a heartbreaking interview with the California Post, Clemente recalled that they noticed the waves approaching and attempted to retreat.
“Hold my hand, hold my hand,” Molina pleaded as the surf engulfed them.
But the couple was separated.
Both were pulled underwater and battered by waves. Clemente eventually managed to scramble onto the rocks before reaching his wife and pulling her ashore.
Exhausted and struggling after swallowing seawater, Clemente attempted CPR before calling 911.
According to the Ventura County Star, emergency personnel arrived around 11:40 a.m. and attempted lifesaving measures. Tragically, Molina was pronounced dead at the scene.
Clemente was transported to a hospital with moderate injuries.
“I wish I could have done more,” he told the California Post.
The tragedy comes amid dangerous surf conditions throughout Southern California, where recent hurricane-generated swells have caused coastal flooding, beach erosion, and significant property damage.
Molina, originally from Indio, California, was one of four siblings.
Her family has established a GoFundMe to cover funeral and memorial expenses.
“She had so much life ahead of her,” the family wrote, explaining that her death “has left a heartbreak in our family that words cannot fully express.”
The fundraiser is seeking $15,000 to help give Molina a proper farewell.
Support the GoFundMe here.
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