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LATEST INFO - Update on John Wagner Death From Friends & Family

by
Scott Bass
Senior Online Editor At-large
Scott@Surfermag.com

May 9th, 2008, 1:54 PM

Written by Joe Wagner & Cary McCrystal, Contributor: Ray Matilsky

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday May 2nd, 2008 at 3:15 PM, John Michael Wagner of San Diego, California, known as “Wedge” to surfers was surfing an island break 20 miles off the coast of Ventura County, California, when he suffered a fatal neck injury after being launched out the back end of a wave and came down into shallow water. Wagner was found floating face down some ten minutes later, by his friend Joey. His color was good. The next friend to arrive was Nate, paddling to him on a kayak. Nate, a doctor, commenced CPR immediately. John’s best friend Cary quickly brought the boat near the scene and John was placed on board where extraordinary measures were taken to save his life. Within minutes an EMT named Duke, that just happened to be in the area, jumped on board and took control along with the doctor. CPR was performed for about 75 minutes and IVs were put in. During that time a fishing boat the Truth provided an oxygen tank and oxygen was given to Wagner. These extraordinary measures were taken by friends to try and save his life but these attempts were futile as John had crushed four vertebrate in his neck on impact and most likely passed away almost immediately. He will be deeply missed by family and friends. He is survived by his wife Cyndi and children Jack, 7; Sadie, 5; and Jason 2.

_______________

May 9, 2008 -- An update on the sad death of John Wagner in early May.Wagner died while surfing the Santa Cruz Islands off of Ventura, Ca.

According to an anonymous source close to the Wagner family we've learned that four vertebrae were crushed in Wagner's neck. According to the source, at the end of a great day of surfing Wagner went back for one more ride. The wave he caught 'he rode with obvious pleasure.' Somehow Wagner was thrown from the wave and hit his head, possibly on a submerged rock.

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All of the surfers at the scene came to the aid of Wagner, who was unconscious. Their repeated attempts to resuscitate Wagner failed.

A memorial celebration for John Wagner with a "paddle out" is planned for May 17 in San Diego (at a place yet to be determined) from 4-7 pm and the "paddle out" at 7:30 pm.

A fund in John's name has been established for his children. Donations can be sent to: John M Wagner Memorial Fund c/o Erin Ellis 4141 Jutland Drive Suite 110 San Diego, CA 92117

___________________________________________

We'll update the story as more information becomes available.

Reader Comments

Posted Tue May 6, 2008, 10:24 PM — By nedra mcnamara

The above article is about my nephew, John. I thought there was a picture of John. If so, do you know how I would find it. Thanks. nedmac2@aol.com

Posted Wed May 7, 2008, 12:26 PM — By Joe Mesmer

This was my cousin. Very sad that this happened, I rememberd him being a healthy buff guy. I am heartbroken for his mom, wife and kids...

Posted Wed May 7, 2008, 2:25 PM — By Denise

John "Wedge" as we called him, was an incredible human being. We will miss him and our thoughts and prayers are with his lovely wife and kids. I remember being young adults together and can honestly say, Wedge was the nicest person you could ever meet. Not a mean bone in his body and a great surfer. We had so many fun times and my husband and I will always remember him with so much love.

Posted Wed May 7, 2008, 10:09 PM — By Christy Wagner

John Wagner is my beloved brother. It's funny that I don't know who Nedra or Joe are (maybe I'll meet them at the memorial) but John is so universally beloved that he has a whole galaxy of people who love him. He lived a beautiful life and he died doing what he loved. He was an amazing father, husband, brother, son, uncle, nephew, friend. I'm told his last wave was immense and he rode it in but was dumped in the shallows on his head with such force that his neck was broken. He was not found by park rangers as the reports say. He was surrounded by other surfers who struggled valiantly to resuscitate him for an hour. I've been proud of him from the 1st and I'm immensely grateful to him for being in my life and teaching me what really matters. I love you Johnny always!!

Posted Fri May 9, 2008, 3:31 PM — By Myrah Kanyo

I am very sorry to hear about this... and sorry for your loss and his family but keep your heads up high and everythinng will be ok...!

Posted Fri May 9, 2008, 4:58 PM — By Warren C

A man could only hope that his wife and sister and other family and friends would have such lovely things to say about him, this is a true testiment to the man; love is what is heard in your words

Posted Fri May 9, 2008, 8:17 PM — By Chris Carnel

I met John when I was 16. i was surfing Zuma Beach by myself because my friends surfed, but were not as into it as I was. He was one of the cast of characters in a group called the Blowouts. They were a great group of guys mostly out of the Chatsworth area. Jon and I became quick friends and I went to Pierce College with him. He was a solid surfer and friendly as can be. Killer smile and a heart of gold. I challenge you to find somebody that did not like or love him. Just a killer guy. Some of his Blowout crew were Dale Rhodes, Dave Radford, Anti and his brother who is the opposite of him. "Doc," Frank, Jimmy "Batty", and many others that I can't recall now but all cool to a kid that they welcomed into their group unconditionally! We hung out in the OVEN and baked in the sun and sipped Steinlagers. I haven't seen him in years, but will miss him just the same. Chris Carnel

Posted Fri May 9, 2008, 8:24 PM — By Oz

Wedge- You are one of my best friends and will never be forgotten. It has been a pleasure sharing the last 15 years with you and your family. I have never met a more talented person all around... not just a top notch surfer, skater, wakeboarder, fisherman, spearfisherman, jokester, golfer, a true gentleman and great family man. You have taught me so much about life and family. Thank you! Your kids will know all about you.

Posted Fri May 9, 2008, 10:19 PM — By Ken Hoffman

John was a friend since high school, and he meant a lot to many people. Great dude, awesome man. See the pics below. http://gallery.mac.com/adscience#100309

Posted Fri May 9, 2008, 11:01 PM — By Patrick Eichstaedt

God Bless to all of the family and friends of John, just looking at the pictures of all the great memories made me cry and feel the sadness of this tragedy. Everyone close to John will have to stick together and hold your heads up high and be proud of a man who died doing what he loved and keep him in our prayers forever.GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

Posted Sat May10, 2008, 1:54 AM — By Greg Moss

Wedge was one of the most charismatic people I've ever met. He was a great family man, waterman and friend. His passing is a great loss to many people, first his family then his many friends. I feel fortunate to have known such a person. I will miss him deeply.

Posted Sat May10, 2008, 10:11 AM — By DALE H RHODS

There's been a consistent message written about John, and that's been about his infectious smile :-) Well, i remembered that smile everytime i saw him at school or in the water......that smile was never altered under any circunstances. He will take that smile with him and will be looking down on us....God Bless See you in another life John Blowout alumnus 83'

Posted Sat May10, 2008, 6:23 PM — By Lisa Argento

I have always been told that "only the good die young" and now that this has happened I truly beleive it. I keep thinking about when Jeff Almony passed away MAY 17th,1984.John was right by my side for me. He always new how to make me smile. He was a good friend of Jeff's and then became a good friend of mine. My heart is with his wife and kids and I wish I could return the favor. I will pray for their strength, from now until the end. God Bless them. May 17th has been a day I've remembered for the last 24 years. Now this day will be even more special to me. Thank you for this blog so everyone can express their feelings. See you on the 17th for the celebration Of Johns life. Sincerely Lisa

Posted Sun May11, 2008, 12:03 AM — By Marla Reber

I remember when i first met John with my best friend Lisa and Jeff. BABE WAGNER. Its so tragic. I have so many fun memories hangin out with wagner and all the boys back in the 80's it brings back so many memories. The photos that have been posted are amazing he grew to be the same Babe he always was. My heart goes out to the whole family and you are all in our prayers see ya in HEAVEN WAGNER,

Posted Sun May11, 2008, 12:08 AM — By kyle kolsky

i didn't know john as a surfer, but as a father. he coached t-ball with me last year for our boys. i admired john very much..and his wonderful gentleness with his kids and others. john would work with all the boys in the batters box. within minutes, he would have a kindergarten boy swinging like a big leaguer...it was amazing to watch! we couldn't figure out how he did it! the kids just responded to john's coaching so well. a true testimate to his loving soul, for children know. my 3 children and i were so shocked about the news. we live nearby and would see and talk to john frequently. my kids would always comment on how great a dad he was, pushing the stroller and playing with jack and sade. i know he must have been a terrific husband as well! i'll miss john tremendously..we all will. as my children grow up with his, we will always keep john's memory alive..and share the great stories and images we have of him so his children and all will know the father and friend he was. we'll

Posted Mon May12, 2008, 12:46 PM — By A Shelton

Sounds like an awesome guy. Brave too. Way out there surfing with just a few mates. Someone who grabbed life before it grabbed him. Its amazing reading what friends and relatives have to say in this post. The photo page with the video was great. Surfers really truly care about each other. Even in their passing, people like John give great inspiration to others. Makes me proud to be a surfer.

Posted Mon May12, 2008, 2:35 PM — By Scott VanDerripe

‘Wedge’ was a top notch guy in all respects. He enjoyed life, family, and friends. Although tragic and unfortunate, he died doing what he passionately truly loved, surfing. From the sandy shore break barrels of drainpipes, the comprehensive shores of San Diego county, the mid week Baja runs, the international waters of Indo and Nicaragua, to the outer islands of California. Surfing fueled Wedge’s passion, and he pursued it with adventurous desire. All of his friends and family knew it because it radiated throughout his ‘Infectious smile’ and all that he touched. As unfortunate as it is appropriate, Wedge’s passing will bring together a Huge family of friends and loved ones to celebrate his life. Although Wedge sightings have been fewer over the years for myself and many others, the smile, legacy, and memories will last through eternity. I am very proud to call him a friend and he will be greatly missed. I pray for strength and understanding for the Wagner family during this time of great loss.

Posted Tue May13, 2008, 7:50 PM — By Brett Kinard

We shed tears of sadness, tears of sorrow for we will not see Wedge tomorrow. These tears turn to tears of joy for those who knew Wedge, oh what a boy! We shed tears of remembrance of a better time, we will all remember him in his prime. We shed tears of laphter thinking back, Wedge around the corner planning an ear attack. We also shed tears of pain, the thought of him not being here is rightfully lame. We shed tears just to cry and I know why. The loving memory of our friend Wedge will never ever die... BK

Posted Wed May14, 2008, 2:06 AM — By Sherry Mays-Gripp

I knew John through pre-school at first. He was the sweet happy guy who always had a baby strapped to his chest. We would often talk about how we loved our kids and how great kids are. I later would see him at Baseball and Cyndi and I would talk while the kids played. They were true soul mates. I am truely saddened by his death as were my children and husband Chris. Chris was the photographer at the baseball games. There are some beautful pictures - a picture of him talking to Jack and helping kids into various gear. Take a look. You will see his sweet spirit. http://picasaweb.google.com/cgripp256/JohnWagner With love to his entire family , Sherry Mays-Gripp, Christopher Gripp,Alexandra Kolsky,Kaitlyn Kolsky and Rex Kolsky.

Posted Thu May15, 2008, 1:59 PM — By Kris Noffke

Old school brothers never die! They live in our hearts forever! My condolences to the Wagner family and all that were close to John. May he rest in peace.

Posted Thu May15, 2008, 6:18 PM — By James Spring

John Wagner was one of the very best guys I've ever known. He was caring and respectful, and always exuded an inner peace that I found inspiring, if not a little daunting. He lived the heck out of life, and the legacy that he leaves through our memories of him, and through his three incredible children will march on into eternity. Our love and support go out to Cyndi and the kids. We'll see you in that Endless Summer, Johnny...

Posted Wed May21, 2008, 10:03 PM — By Christy Wagner

Since my earlier posting, I've been reminded that Nedra McNamera, who made the first posting above is John's biological aunt from Chicago and Joe Mesmer is my cousin Sherry Peabody's son whom I've never met but John had. (Hope he forgives me for not recognizing his name.) Nedra flew out for the family prayer service along with many others from John's birth family and she's definitely part of my family too. My brother's memorial was amazing with a paddle out on a perfect, balmy evening with a gorgeous sunset and dolphins swimming round. The ceremonies are completed but John's presence continues on in the faces and hearts of his children, friends and family. I know he would want me to thank you all for your outpouring of love. Thank you!

Posted Tue May27, 2008, 6:33 PM — By Brad Fallentine

I met John my first day of 10th grade at Chatsworth High. I walked into class a bit shy because I didn’t know anyone in this new school. Before I had a chance to even scan the room for a seat I hear someone say “hey, you want to sit with us?” That person turned out to be John along with Bill Perry. I was friends with them from then on. As everyone knows, John was a super cool guy. Always smiling, always positive, always encouraging to those around him. I moved to Colorado 15 years ago so I’d only see John at weddings or an occasional stop in San Diego on our way back from a trip to the trailers in Mex. I miss the days in the 80’s watching Wedge side slip into drain pipes barrels. What great memories! I’m sure Wedge was smiling down on us at the memorial and then Sunday May 18th while we relived the 80’s surfing south of Scripts Pier. He will be greatly missed and we will be praying for his wife Cyndi, his kids and his family.

Posted Sat May31, 2008, 1:19 PM — By laura peabody

I only learned of this tragedy today, and my heart goes out to all who have lost a true friend. On reading the posted comments I am not surprised to hear of great character, positive attitude, smiles humor and integrity. He was raised by truly fine parents and reflected those same qualities. Hopefully the joy of spending years with him will ease the pain of loss for his mother, wife , children, siblings, and cherished friends. John give Ian a high five for me

Posted Tue Jun17, 2008, 11:58 AM — By nedra mcnamara

I have been thinking about John every day since May 2 and was especially sad on his birthday, June 10 and Fathers Day. So I googled John Wedge Wagner and found some vidios on YouTube which lifted my sadness. I remember Ray, one of Johns "six-pack" friends said that they were going to put some more pictures, especially a last picture of John, on YouTube accompanied with song. I thank all who have added these videos and told stories of John in his life as they continue to console me. Thanks. I continue to pray for all the Wagners, especially Cyndi, Jack, Sadie, and Jason, and the Felices. Nedra

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