25-year-old surfer dies near Moonstone Beach in Humboldt County

TRINIDAD, Calif. — A 25-year-old surfer has died off the coast of Trinidad, according to the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office (HCSO).

Deputies say they were called to the area of Moonstone Beach Sunday around 3:51 p.m. for reports of a surfer in distress.

Witnesses told deputies 25-year-old Martina Marie Scarfia of Eureka became unattached from the surfboard and was overcome by waves. Another beachgoer swam out to rescue Scarfia. She was recovered from the water and taken to a local hospital via helicopter by the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Humboldt Bay. Scarfia was later pronounced deceased.

An autopsy is in the process of being scheduled. The cause and manner of death remain under investigation, pending the results of the autopsy.

Anyone with information about this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.