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South Beach-West Marin Water Rescue Fatality-Identity Released

The decedent has been positively identified as:

Ki Chun KIM, a 74-year-old male from Gold River, CA.

On Saturday, May 04, 2019, at approximately 10:54 AM, 9-1-1- was contacted reporting a male subject, who had been fishing with friends in the area of South Beach, inside the Point Reyes National Seashore-West Marin, had possibly drowned.   Reportedly the subject was digging for sand crabs alone on the beach with his back facing the water when he was presumably struck by a wave, which knocked the subject into the water. The subject did not have a personal flotation device (PFD) in place and had been wearing bib-style fishing waders, which filled with water preventing his return to the shoreline.  The subject’s friends having returned to the beach from the parking area a short time later, discovered the subject floating face down unresponsive in the surf.  Attempts to rescue the subject met with negative results.  A United States Coast Guard (USCG) helicopter in the area completing unrelated training was immediately diverted to the scene in addition to other multiple First Responder agency personnel to render aid and complete a rescue of the subject.  A USCG Rescue Swimmer was deployed from the helicopter and brought the subject to the shoreline, who remained unconscious and lifeless.  Emergent resuscitative medical aid including CPR was immediately administered.  Due to the remote area, the subject was then airlifted to the Point Reyes Beach South Parking area, where the subject was met by awaiting paramedics.  Paramedics provided additional resuscitative medical aid to no avail.  Despite the aforementioned efforts, the subject’s death was pronounced on the scene at 12:04 PM.       

The decedent has been positively identified as:

Ki Chun KIM, a 74-year-old male from Gold River, CA.  

A forensic post mortem examination and toxicology testing have been scheduled for Tuesday, May 07, 2019.  The cause and manner of death will be pending the conclusion of the investigation 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 subject’s identity was withheld pending next of kin being notified and to be allowed the ability to contact other extended family members internationally.     

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

CONTACT

Roger G. Fielding

Chief Deputy Coroner

415-473-6043

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