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Shark Kills Surfer in Mexico

by
Scott Bass
Senior Online Editor At-large
SURFER Magazine
Scott@surfermag.com

Wednesday, April 30, 2008--An American surfer from San Francisco bled to death on Monday after being attacked by a shark off of the coast of Mainland Mexico, according to numerous news agencies.

ABC News reported this morning that the 24-year old man was surfing near Ixtapa, Mexico with a friend when he was attacked by what is believed to be a Tiger shark. Other reports, citing a Mexican news agency, suggest that it was a Grey shark, not a Tiger shark. The surfer bled to death from a 15-inch gash to his thigh, according to the ABC report.

After the attack the injured man's friend drove the surfer to a local hospital. He died soon after from blood loss according to news reports.

- advertisement -

The surfers death comes just four days after the shocking news of a fatal Great White shark attack in the normally inviting waters off of San Diego, Ca.

Standby for more info as it becomes available.

Reader Comments

Posted Wed Apr30, 2008, 10:05 AM — By MR

another one

Posted Wed Apr30, 2008, 10:14 AM — By Erin

This is really shocking. I really can't believe that just a couple days prior, there was an attack ANd death as well. I can believe the attacks but not the deaths...and the timing. These two are very unfortunate events..too close together. I came home sick today from school and all i could talk about today in school was "We have 34 days left of school!" people would ask. why are you so excited for summer. "I'LL BE SURFING ALLLLL SUMMER OF COURSE!!!" aannddd of course...someone says dont get eaten by a shark. and that somewhat...irked me. But a shark isnt going to stop me from surfing.

Posted Wed Apr30, 2008, 11:51 AM — By Scott Guinto

Craziness, I feel sad for his loss and for his family. But still there's something in us all that calls us back to the ocean. I'll still be surfing any day that I get a chance.

Posted Wed Apr30, 2008, 3:21 PM — By doug

I'm heading down to Ixtapa in a week...and was really looking forward to surfing!! But this stuff is for real! I don't wanna die because some shark mistakes me for a sea lion or fish, bites my leg to find out and then swims off. Damage done...you're dead. I don't know man...I'll have to see when I get there. Be safe out there.

Posted Wed Apr30, 2008, 7:58 PM — By Dave, Pacific Beach

This is the stuff that surfer nightmares are made of. Most everybody will be going back out but a little of the enjoyment may be gone for awhile. My thoughts go to both families.

Posted Wed Apr30, 2008, 8:55 PM — By Mavsurfer

They said he was from the city but he was actually from Pacifica...

Posted Wed Apr30, 2008, 9:00 PM — By Gary

Stuff like this takes away the illusion of safety. You're not safe. No body gets out of here alive.

Posted Wed Apr30, 2008, 9:24 PM — By Rom Zom

I wonder what the water conditions were when he was attacked? What time of day would also be interesting...for some reason I think he might have been dawn patroling...was he near a river mouth? Different factors can up your odds...sometimes it is worth a consideration. Just a little difficult when it is firing. R.I.P. My heart goes out to his friends and family.

Posted Wed Apr30, 2008, 11:00 PM — By Chase

I was surfing Ixtapa just last month, pretty much in town. I had it to myself twice. It flashed in my mind once or twice that I was very much by myself if a little fishy decided to nibble. But coming from NorCal myself, I was just stoked on the warm water and empty head high lineup. May Adrian rest in peace.

Posted Wed Apr30, 2008, 11:04 PM — By JoHn, Ontario

OK, so again someone is added to the sharky stats, but what did we learn? Hows this, 1; You have main arteries/viens in your legs that flow as much blood as your jugular. When a person is gashed the blood flow to the affected member MUST be STOPPED quickly. This means tying off from bloodflow with a shirt, rope, something, and also elevating the gash/slash above the heart. Cover the victim with warm blankets and keep them awake. 2; Prevent PEEing in the water while sitting on your board wiating for waves. The poor sharky doesn't know the diff between your fiss and prey fizle, it might be the SIGNAL sharky waits for out there. 3; I have an experience surfing with a great white within 20 ft. of me, YEP. Before the moment the ominous experience took place I noticed no other form of marine life anywhere nearby and a strange and ERIE SILENCE about the ocean for an hour or so preceeding my visitation. 4; Mama/Pops incisors feed at dawn and dusk mainly. Ask yourself, When do I surf? God bless you all.

Posted Thu May 1, 2008, 12:53 AM — By Eduardo from San Francisco

This is an event it captures the imagination of everyone whom has encounter a moment with the mighty king of the Ocean. I don't surf, nor have ever tried it, but having swam in the Ocean (about 100 to 175 feet feet off shore), one understands the risks we exposed ourselves to. I really feel sad for the family and friends<>those who loved him, for it is emotionaly braking when we realize we won't see that person again. I sent them my condolences. I don't know what else to say, but I am truely sorry for your lost, being one whom loves the Ocean <> And will say a prayer for your son and brother and friend. And, to all those still practicing surfing, sometimes it is better to consider that new Australian invented device which sends electric waves keeping sharks at a distance. I am sure we all get excited and thrill just to feel the rush of danger and fun clinging to each other while unknowing what travels under us while in the water. For that reason and the love other feel for us, we shoul

Posted Thu May 1, 2008, 9:07 AM — By BNS

Take heed from JoHn from Ontario. I'm not sure what the conditions were directly after the attack, but proper first aid may have prevented the death of a fellow surfer. Especially when you are at a secluded spot, make sure you have a first aid kit with you, complete with pressure dressings and tourniquet, or at least know how to make due with what you have. A rash guard, towel, and a leash could have saved a life. I would rather have a prosthetic leg than bleed to death. You never know when education can save your life or the life of a friend. RIP.

Posted Thu May 1, 2008, 1:02 PM — By Greg

My prayers and condolences to Adrian and his family. I'm really starting to question this theory of mistaken identity. Are our oceans just getting to fished out? If the food supply for sharks is reduced or eliminated, they are not just going to roll over and die. They out lasted the dinosaurs. I for one am waiting for there to be at least one week without an attack or fatality before I go back out. Solana Beach is to next to my favorite break, Del Mar.

Posted Sat May 3, 2008, 12:26 PM — By Kingsley Zissou

Do you guys remember a couple years ago--I think in 2004--when all those shark attacks happened during the summer? I hope we don't have a repeat year.

Posted Sat May 3, 2008, 10:40 PM — By JoHn, Ontario

Check out the movie SharkWater.

Posted Tue May27, 2008, 1:01 PM — By Eva Lucero

Adrian was long time friend of mine. We went o both junoir high and high school together. In 8th grade we both won class clowma nd that really was his personality. He was a great guy and we love and miss him dearly....

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