Surfer dies fulfilling Southern California dream
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Spectators watch the U.S. Open of Surfing competition while high surf pounds the pier in Huntington Beach, Calif., on July 24, 2009.
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. >> A Florida surfer who dreamed of riding Southern California waves has died doing what he loved.
Dana Brown, 60, was paddling near the Huntington Beach pier near sunset on Nov. 6 when he was slammed into a pier pillar.
He was underwater for several minutes before other surfers saw him and towed him to shore, according to a GoFundMe page set up to help pay for his funeral expenses.
He died at a hospital four days later.
Brown lived in a van with his father, George.
Racheal Katz met them about four years ago in Cocoa Beach, Florida. “Dana and his dad were innocent,” she told the Los Angeles Times (http://lat.ms/2g8oRj9 ). “You don’t see innocent people any more, and you definitely don’t find innocent 60-year-olds.”
Brown, who wore a long white beard, was deeply religious and wouldn’t surf on the Sabbath, she said.
He took care of his ailing father, bathing, feeding and reading to him.
“When his dad got sick, he spent probably every day with him,” Katz said. “Dana carried him in and out of that van every day. He didn’t want him in any kind of an adult caring facility.”
His father’s death in March dealt Brown emotional and financial blows, and he spent many weekends at his father’s gravesite, according to the GoFundMe page.
“They had a journey together, him and his dad,” Katz said. “The death kind of ruined what Dana believed.”
About six months later, Brown left Cocoa Beach on his dream trip to Huntington Beach. The Orange County city is known for its excellent surfing and has trademarked the title “Surf City USA.”
Brown was expected to be buried next to his father in Cocoa Beach on Dec. 3.
“I hope he caught one great wave,” Katz said. “He died doing what he loved.”
10 responses to “Surfer dies fulfilling Southern California dream”
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“you definitely don’t find innocent 60-year-olds” So he must be guilty of something?
HanabataDays, your comment on an article about a death is without compassion and not in good taste.
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What a story. A man so totally dedicated to his father. It’s sad that in today’s world that most people have someone else take care of their aging parents and loved ones. There are many cases where family cannot take on that responsibility (it is a huge labor of love to carry) even if they wanted to. What’s sad, is when we choose not to.
Such kind words of Aloha. May this man RIP. It is too bad the other posters are such nasty people. I am glad there is Karma. They will get theirs for sure. There are so many nasty people in the world, and it is sad we have our share in Hawaii.
Agreed. May Brown and his father RIP.
IRT aomohoa are the nastys also include those that are opposed to the current President-elect and his Vice?
You sick bass-turdd.
Bombay2101, is that really where your heart is, no aloha?
SA Readers, from their guidelines:
“An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks.”
“TO REPORT COMMENTS that you believe do not follow our guidelines, email commentfeedback@staradvertiser.com“
Like the Sinatra song says “I did it my way” RIP
May we all die doing something we love.