On Friday February 11, 2022 at approximately 3:29 PM hours, a body was discovered washed ashore into the rocky shoreline near the Muir Beach Overlook of Muir Beach, CA.  Reportedly on Monday February 07, 2022, at approximately 1:20 PM the subject had been fishing with extended family members along the rocky shoreline bordering the ocean waters of Muir Beach.  Reportedly the subject and others were struck by a rogue wave, which swept him off of the rocks into the ocean waters. Persons on the scene attempted to provide aid / reach the subject, who ultimately was pulled out to sea and visual contact was lost.  9-1-1 was immediately contacted and multiple First Responder agencies were dispatched and immediately responded to the scene in an effort to locate the missing subject.  An extended, extensive and arduous search was completed via air, water, and land to no avail.  The rescue mission was eventually transitioned to a recovery mission with additional searches completed by the Marin County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team up until his recovery. The subject’s remains were located, recovered and transported to the contracted Coroner Division Morgue facility pending additional forensic examination.      

The decedent has been positively identified as:                                                                           

Jose Medardo PADILLA ULLOA, a 29-year-old male reportedly residing in San Francisco, CA and from Honduras.

Due to the subject’s prolonged exposure to the aquatic environment his positive identification was hampered and unable to be confirmed by the Coroner Division investigative staff until earlier this morning due to his poor physiologic condition. 

A forensic post mortem examination with toxicology testing is being completed Tuesday February 15, 2022.  The cause and manner of death will be pending the conclusion of the investigations being completed by the National Park Service Golden Gate National Recreation Area 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 Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

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

CONTACT Roger G. Fielding

Chief Deputy Coroner

415-473-6043