Coroner IDs Chicago Man Swept To Sea At California Beach

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — A coroner has identified a Chicago man who died Tuesday after he was swept to sea while standing on the rocks at a beach about 70 miles south of San Francisco.

The body of Conrad Miltko, 30, was recovered that evening in the waters off of Panther State Beach after the tide receded, according to the Santa Cruz County coroner.

Witnesses called 911 around 4 p.m. after Miltko called for help. He was spotted shortly before 6 p.m., the Cal Fire San Mateo-Santa Cruz Unit said Tuesday.

The rescue prompted a significant official response. Cal Fire, Santa Cruz Fire, Central Fire Protection District, Santa Cruz Harbor Patrol, the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office and the U.S. Coast Guard were on scene.

This marked the second time in three days that a beachgoer was swept to sea in the area. A third person was presumed to be missing about 25 miles south of San Francisco after an empty kayak with freshly caught fish was found ashore Wednesday.