A brave father tragically lost his life while trying to save his five-year-old daughter who was swept out to sea during California’s devastating flash floods.
Yuji Hu, hailing from Calgary, Canada, was enjoying a day at Garrapata State Beach in Carmel with his wife and two children when disaster struck on Friday, as reported by the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office. The 39-year-old witnessed a large wave engulf his young daughter and drag her into the water, prompting him to rush in to rescue her.
Waves estimated between 15 and 20 feet pushed the pair further out to sea. “He jumped into the water to try to rescue his daughter, and in the process, mum also jumped into the water.
(Image: KSBW Action News 8)
“It was reported to us that dad had a hold of his daughter at one point,” said Monterey County Sheriff’s commander Andres Rosas, according to NBC Bay Area.
The girl’s mother dived into the waters in an attempt to assist Hu but was unsuccessful in reaching her family. However, she managed to return to shore, where her two-year-old child was waiting.
Hu was pulled from the water by another beachgoer and an off-duty California State Parks Officer, who performed life-saving techniques on Hu. Hu was rushed to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after.
The unidentified mother was briefly hospitalised overnight in stable condition as she received treatment for hypothermia. She was discharged on Saturday. The two-year-old child was unharmed during the catastrophe.
(Image: KSBW Action News 8)
Hu’s daughter, last seen in a white shirt, is still missing, according to officials. The outlet reported that the little girl was not wearing a life jacket.
A large-scale search involving multiple agencies for the young child took place throughout Saturday before it was halted at sunset.
A recovery mission will carry on along the shores of Garrapata State Beach following the suspension of the search and rescue operation.
The heartbroken family has requested privacy and is not commenting on Hu’s death, said the police.