Worst La Jolla report ever. 9.15.18

[Davesdad]

Originally Posted by Semper Fi-shing

What can I say, I'm still a little shocked.

The morning started out as any other with the exception of big breakers and swells.
Parked next to the same guy I see there almost every saturday.......skinny guy with an older beige or white Toyota pickup truck, green outback.

Me, green outback, and another guy whom I just met started our launch together at a little past 6am. Green outback powered thru the waves, no problem. I hopped onto my yak but was 3 or 4 minutes behind the green outback, getting pounded and thrown off my yak on the beach after my mirage drive bottomed on the sand and left me motionless.

Finally made it out to the vicinity of the green outback, which I saw briefly in the corner of my eyes. I didnt see the yakker on his yak, however, before I realized that something was wrong.

20 feet from his yak, I saw something floating in the water. As I pedaled closer, I realized it was the yakker's life jacket. I went into panic mode and rushed over to pick up the jacket, only to realize that the yakker was still in it, face in the water, hands dangling and motionless.

I yelled as loud as I could "911, man overboard" over towards the beach but with the waves breaking so loudly, I couldnt tell if anyone along the beach heard me. I kept yelling as loudly as I could over and over.

The other yakker whom I just met earlier came up to me and helped me get his lifeless body onto my yak. I ripped the unconscious yakkers' eyeglass strap inadvertently and almost flipped in the process.

We finally got his body onto my yak and another yakker met up with us and called 911.

The yakker started to foam heavily at the mouth and his fingers were already turning dark purple.Lifeguards responded immediately and got his body onto their surfboard within 10 of call and paddled him back to shore where emt performed emergency procedures to shock him and try to revive him

The yakker must have been unconscious for a good 30 minutes before they finally took him to the hospital.

All of us yakkers were wading in the water afterwards trying to find the daiwa lexa 300 reel and yellow rod that was lost when the yakker who was towing the victims green outback coming in flipped.

After 30 minutes of wading around in the water, something bumped my thigh. I picked it up......it was the victims glasses. I dont know what to think of that.

BTW if someone finds the rod and reel, please let me know so I can return it to its rightful owner and also any updates on the status of the green yakker.

My biggest regret is that all the time I see this person, I just mainly went about my own business, didnt talk to him much, and never even asked his name.

In the future, I will never launch and kayak fish alone ever again like I normally do.
And as a note, just because u make it thru the surf doesnt mean everything is clear.

I still cant comprehend how he ended up in the water. Only to speculate that he somehow fell off his yak, hit his head on his yak, and knocked himself unconscious. Or maybe had a seizure.

I thank all the yakkers that helped me thru this ordeal and hope no one has to go thru the same thing I went thru today.

Hello,my name is John.I'm Dave's father.Unfortunately he's most likely not going to survive this tragedy.Right now we're waiting on one last test to determine brain death.All tests have already indicated he's no longer with us but for peace of mind we asked for one more test.We're not exactly sure what happened yet but we do know he may have had a heart defect that caused him to pass out.This was discovered while he was in ICU on life support.Dave has been fishing since he was old enough to hold a fishing pole,about 2 years old.He's always been one lucky (and very skilled) fisherman.Always able to adapt and catch something no matter where we were.From Carp to Tuna he caught it and always enjoyed it.I'm a very proud Dad and also very sad at this time.I'm here to tell those that helped how much i appreciate their efforts to save his life ! i just don't know how to say thank you enough,you guys did your best.I would also like to help out the guy that lost his rod and reel if i could.I thought i'd post this tonight just to get you guys some answers.I'm very tired and upset because of these last couple of days.I'll check in tomorrow some time if i'm able to.I have a very difficult decision to make at the hospital but will try and get back here.Thanks,John

[swinginFish]

Was a time when the kayak fishing community was smaller and tighter, but a tragedy such as this brings out our collective sadness and shared feelings of sorrow. Kind of you, John, to take a moment to let us know the unfortunate status of your son, Dave, and deep sympathy as you face an extremely hard decision. While several of the kayak-fishing community were there to try and save your son, we are all there to share your grief. Blessing to you sir in this most difficult time.

Avery Ellisman

[katchfish]

Well put Avery!

[kpasadr]

Originally Posted by Davesdad

Hello,my name is John.I'm Dave's father.Unfortunately he's most likely not going to survive this tragedy.Right now we're waiting on one last test to determine brain death.All tests have already indicated he's no longer with us but for peace of mind we asked for one more test.We're not exactly sure what happened yet but we do know he may have had a heart defect that caused him to pass out.This was discovered while he was in ICU on life support.Dave has been fishing since he was old enough to hold a fishing pole,about 2 years old.He's always been one lucky (and very skilled) fisherman.Always able to adapt and catch something no matter where we were.From Carp to Tuna he caught it and always enjoyed it.I'm a very proud Dad and also very sad at this time.I'm here to tell those that helped how much i appreciate their efforts to save his life ! i just don't know how to say thank you enough,you guys did your best.I would also like to help out the guy that lost his rod and reel if i could.I thought i'd post this tonight just to get you guys some answers.I'm very tired and upset because of these last couple of days.I'll check in tomorrow some time if i'm able to.I have a very difficult decision to make at the hospital but will try and get back here.Thanks,John

Sir, I am so sorry about your son. I can't even imagine how hard this must be. It speaks volumes about your character and likely that of your son's that you would take the time to share this information and offer to help with other's material losses at a time like this.

If it at all helps, I am a pediatric ICU doctor and would be happy to answer any questions you may have about congenital heart disease, brain death or anything else as you have to make choices no father ever should. Feel free to send a PM or I can give you a call.

[seck66]

Originally Posted by Davesdad

Hello,my name is John.I'm Dave's father.Unfortunately he's most likely not going to survive this tragedy...

John,

I'm truly sorry for your loss. I can't imagine how I could have the composure and kindness you've expressed here. Dave, you and your family are in my prayers.

To those who assisted Dave, bless you. I'm a relative newbie to this group and I'm continually amazed at how helpful and friendly this community is. I'm not surprised to hear how many folks pitched in to try to help Dave.

The care and concern expressed over Dave and his condition is the only silver lining in this tragic loss.

-Paul

[Davesdad]

Thank you guys for the kind words.Does anybody know the guy that lost his rod and reel ? My hope is to be at the shores early Saturday to find those that helped and personally thank them.I will confirm that later this week after i take care of Dave and get this situation a little bit more behind me.It's tough i'm sure you can imagine.Just a little note about Dave,he was kind of shy and not real open around those he didn't know.His best buddy Levi was his usual fishing partner on Sundays.The two were sort of competitive but always helped each other with finding bait or tackle needs and even chasing down fish.I'll check back later.Thanks.

[Natural_one]

John,

Thank you for taking the time to update everyone. I can't begin to understand what you and your family are going through, but it's evident Dave is a great kid raised by a kind and generous father. Lean on this community for anything you feel we could do. Praying for wisdom and peace over your family through the these next days as you make decisions. -Tyler

[FISH11]

I, like a lot of the members of the local kayak fishing community want to pass on our deeply felt condolences to you John and your family. I can' imagine what it's like for you to have taken the time to inform us. I want to thank you because, I know there a lot of members here that needed to know how Dave was doing. I can only relate that when my time comes, I hope to be doing one of my favorite enjoyments and Kayak fishing in La Jolla is #1 on my list. Thank You John and GOD bless Dave.

[Mr. NiceGuy]

Originally Posted by Davesdad

Hello,my name is John. I'm Dave's father.

I am so, so sad to read about Dave's tragic misfortune while kayaking on the beautiful ocean in La Jolla, doing what he loves. I can not begin to imagine the amount pain and emotional suffering you and your family are going through now. Tears are flowing down both cheeks.


With very deepest sympathy,

Stan Schutze

[sharonkayak]

I am so saddened to read all of this. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family. Impossible to read this without a dry eye.

[Iceman]

John, my deepest sympathy on your shouldering this father's decision that no father should have to endure. Prayers for you, David and all who love him. We kayak fishermen are all part of the same family, please do not be afraid to ask us of anything at all on David's behalf.

[Daveschildhoodfriend]

Originally Posted by Davesdad

Hello,my name is John.I'm Dave's father.Unfortunately he's most likely not going to survive this tragedy.Right now we're waiting on one last test to determine brain death.All tests have already indicated he's no longer with us but for peace of mind we asked for one more test.We're not exactly sure what happened yet but we do know he may have had a heart defect that caused him to pass out.This was discovered while he was in ICU on life support.Dave has been fishing since he was old enough to hold a fishing pole,about 2 years old.He's always been one lucky (and very skilled) fisherman.Always able to adapt and catch something no matter where we were.From Carp to Tuna he caught it and always enjoyed it.I'm a very proud Dad and also very sad at this time.I'm here to tell those that helped how much i appreciate their efforts to save his life ! i just don't know how to say thank you enough,you guys did your best.I would also like to help out the guy that lost his rod and reel if i could.I thought i'd post this tonight just to get you guys some answers.I'm very tired and upset because of these last couple of days.I'll check in tomorrow some time if i'm able to.I have a very difficult decision to make at the hospital but will try and get back here.Thanks,John

I’m not sure what I’m doing cause I to like John a second father to me in my younger years am new to this page so please bare with me. I have no idea what to say I’m so lost for words at this moment after reading everyone’s comments. Dave and I met in our early teenage years and from that very first day first fishing trip together we were inseparable I can recal that day like it was yesterday. We had alarms set for 3 am at my own fathers house so we could get up and sneak onto Carlton oaks golf course in santee and slay some mega large mouth well back then they were mega to us lol needless to say we caught some nice fish that morning and he introduced me to the sinko aka French fry worm and we fished till sunrise when we got busted by the golf course employees and asked to leave man those were the days Dave I’ll miss you brother and I’m so sorry I failed to stay in constant contact with you after I moved to Montana but I’m so glad I decided to stop by when I was down there for a family deal just to say hi I was so happy to see you and John (dad) still at the same ole house we use to get into so much trouble at.

John (dad) I hope your holding in there cause I’m not I’m losing my poop right now while typing this and just can’t hold back the tears anymore I’m gonna miss him so much and I want you to know that I think Dave was right beside me this last Saturday when I was bow hunting and I could almost hear him telling me to wait be patient that buck will come and as it drew closer I pulled back and I could here Dave say “ now it’s the perfect shot and it’s the biggest buck you’ll have ever shot” needless to say I got him and boy Dave was right it’s by far the biggest mule deer and measures out at 172 and 6/8 inches that technically if I wanted qualifies for pope and young record books. Sorry I’m probly talking a different language to most haha John I just want you to know I’m always here for you and the family you are my second family even though we haven’t spoken much in some time now but mom has my cell number now so please feel free to call or text I miss you guys so much you and Dave will always be in my prayers

[Daveschildhoodfriend]

This is a photo of Dave and I at Lindo lake park in lakeside catching some carp something we did quite often when we got bored haha Dave is on the right I am on the left not sure who took the pic but mom (Dave’s mom) found it in his room the other day and sent it to my phone I’m afraid it’s a rare photo to have cause we were to busy to pose for the camera there was fish to be caught and that was way more important to us