Body Of 7-Year-Old Found After Father And Daughter Swept Into Ocean

MONTEREY COUNTY, CA — A father and his 7-year-old daughter were found dead after being swept into the ocean in California, authorities said.

A volunteer diver recovered the body of the girl around 1:20 p.m. Sunday about a half-mile north of where she went missing at Garrapata State Park in Monterey County, according to California State Parks and the Monterey County Sheriff's Office.

The child's father, 39-year-old Yuji Hu, of Alberta, Canada, died after attempting to save his daughter, according to the sheriff's office. Hu entered the water Friday afternoon after the girl was swept off the beach by a powerful wave estimated between 15 to 20 feet high. The child was initially reported to be 5 years old, but family members have clarified she was 7.

"As Hu reached for her, both were carried farther out to sea," the sheriff's office said in a news release. "The child's mother entered the water in an effort to assist but was also overtaken by the surf. She was ultimately able to return to shore."

A beachgoer and an off-duty California State Parks officer pulled Hu out of the water and began CPR, according to the sheriff's office. The father and the mother were taken to a hospital where Hu was later pronounced dead. The mother was treated for hypothermia and released.

A 2-year-old child who was present was not injured.

"The family has expressed their gratitude to all agencies, personnel, and community members involved in the search and recovery efforts," the sheriff's office said. "They continue to request privacy and do not wish to make further statements at this time."