A surfer was killed in a shark attack off the coast of Santa Barbara near Surf Beach Tuesday morning, according to KTLA.
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department identified the man as 39-year-old Francisco Javier Solorio.
The shark attack was witnessed by Solorio’s friend who pulled him out of the water, while another surfer called paramedics.
Solorio was pronounced dead when paramedics from Vandenberg Air Force Base arrived at the scene.
Solorio was bitten in the upper torso area. Officials are investigating the type of shark that killed the surfer.
Surf Beach is closed until further notice. Santa Barbara and Vandenberg officials will determine when the beach will reopen once the investigation is complete.
Death by shark attack is rare. According to the Pew Environment Group, an average of 65 shark attacks occur each year, typically only resulting in two or three deaths.
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