A MESSAGE OF MOURNING
A Statement From the Family of Deceased Bodysurfer Monte Valentin
As reported last week, 50-year-old Monte Valentin of Lawndale, CA died in extremely hazardous surf while bodysurfing the Wedge in Newport Beach. Though lifeguards attempted to rescue Valentin, pulling him out of the water and rushing him to nearby Hoag Memorial Hospital, they were unable to save him.
SURFER received this message from the late bodysurfer's sister, Natashia Valentin, who wanted to share the following statement with readers:
We, the family of Monte Kevin Valentin, would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the courageous and caring surfers and lifeguards who risked their lives trying desperately to save Monte last Friday at the "Wedge" in Newport Beach.
We will miss him beyond imagination! But, we know in our hearts that Monte is ok and that he "transitioned to his next life" doing what he loved most...riding the waves!
Most sincerely,
Luana Valentin, Natashia Valentin, Eric Valentin, Nicole Valentin-Smith, and families
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READER COMMENTS
Fri Jul31, 2009, 11:00 PM
Aunt Luana, Tasha, Eric, Nicole and the rest of the family in California. We are thinking about you at this time. We love you all!
Sun Aug 9, 2009, 12:00 PM
Dear Valentin Family, Thank you for your loving, sensitive and understanding message. We will miss Monte in the water, but we know that he is riding perfect glass now. Myself having been a lifelong Black surfer too, I will miss my brother who, although we had never met, traveled together in spirit, in the waters of the world everywhere we went. Members of the So-Cal Chapter of the Black Surfing Association are now discussing a Memorial Paddle Out for Monte to take place at the Historic Inkwell in Santa Monica (www.blacksurfing.com). It is our way as surfers to honor our water family. I will contact you as the details develop. We would love your participation. My sincere condolences to the Valentin Family. peace...rb