On Saturday November 10, 2023, at approximately 09:07 AM, 9-1-1 was contacted reporting a person, who was fishing near the coast shoreline at the Point Reyes South Beach was observed to be swept out to sea by a rogue wave. Multiple First Responder agencies including the National Park Service, Marin County Sheriff’s Office, California Highway Patrol, United States Coast Guard, Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office, Marin County Fire Department, and REACH were dispatched to the area and upon their arrival at the scene an area search ensued.  At approximately 09:49 AM, the subject was located lifelessly floating within the water.  He was rescued and airlifted back to the shore to awaiting paramedics.  The subject was found to be in cardiopulmonary arrest and due to his prolonged downtime within the water, he exhibited no signs of life. At 09:57 AM his death was pronounced on the scene.    

The decedent has been positively identified as:                                           

Richard Norio Sumi, a 73-year-old male from Hercules, CA.

A forensic postmortem examination with routine toxicology has been completed.  The cause and manner of death will be pending the conclusion of the investigations being completed by the National Park Service, and the Marin County Sheriff’s Office - Coroner Division.  No further information will be released by the Coroner Division at this time, as this is an active and ongoing investigation.  Any further questions regarding the incident should be directed to the National Park Service.

The Marin County Sheriff’s Office and personnel of the Coroner Division offers our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Sumi.

CONTACT

Roger G. Fielding

Chief Deputy Coroner

 415-473-6043