California Surfer Pronounced Dead After Shark Attack

A man died on the beach at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California at around 11 A.M. this morning, and authorities are saying he was the victim of a shark attack. The thirty-eight-year-old hasn’t been identified publically, but witnesses say he was in the water surfing when a shark popped out of the water and bit him. The victim’s friend was able to pull him onto the beach to perform first aid, but by the time emergency responders made it to the scene, nothing could be done.

According to The Associated Press, the unidentified man had no affiliation to Vandenberg Air Force Base, but he was welcome on the property as the beach is open to the public. Given its location, it’s both a prime spot to hit the waves and to see sharks. In recent months, several sightings have been called in, but even with an increased presence, shark attacks are very rare. Only sixty-five are reported during an average year, and of those, only two or three are typically fatal.

Sometimes shark attacks are the result of stupid chances, and sometimes they’re the result of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. All of the evidence that’s come forward seems to indicate this was nothing more than poor luck. Pop Blend’s thoughts go out to the victim’s family, whoever they may be, in this time of need. At least he went out doing what he loved.

Mack Rawden
Editor In Chief

Mack Rawden is the Editor-In-Chief of CinemaBlend. He first started working at the publication as a writer back in 2007 and has held various jobs at the site in the time since including Managing Editor, Pop Culture Editor and Staff Writer. He now splits his time between working on CinemaBlend’s user experience, helping to plan the site’s editorial direction and writing passionate articles about niche entertainment topics he’s into. He graduated from Indiana University with a degree in English (go Hoosiers!) and has been interviewed and quoted in a variety of publications including Digiday. Enthusiastic about Clue, case-of-the-week mysteries, a great wrestling promo and cookies at Disney World. Less enthusiastic about the pricing structure of cable, loud noises and Tuesdays.