Man Swept Into Pacific Off Big Sur In California Identified As U.S. Army Specialist From New Jersey

CBS Bay Area

November 26, 2025

A man swept into the Pacific Ocean off California's Central Coast over the weekend has been identified as an Army soldier from New Jersey, as authorities continue to search for his body.

The Monterey County Sheriff's Office announced Monday that the missing man has been identified as 35-year-old Spc. Amanpreet Thind. Officials said Thind was studying at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, where members of the Armed Forces learn foreign languages.

"As search and recovery operations continue, we hold out hope that Spc. Thind will be found. We offer our deepest condolences to the Thind family during this difficult time," Col. Christy Whitfield, the school's commandant, said in a statement through the sheriff's office. "We are providing those impacted with every resource and support service available and extend our heartfelt gratitude to local, state, and national first responders working tirelessly to locate Spc. Thind."

A Monterey County Sheriff's Office search and rescue vehicle parked at Garrapata State Park in Big Sur as crews search for Army Spc. Amanpreet Thind, who was swept into the Pacific Ocean on Nov. 22, 2025/CBS

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