The editor of Salt Lake Magazine was swept to sea after being hit by a 28-foot wave on the North Jetty of Humboldt Bay on Monday. Mary Malouf did not survive. Photo: Canva.com
HUMBOLDT COUNTY, Calif. — The editor of Salt Lake Magazine died Monday in northern California. Officials say a large wave struck her and swept her into the Pacific Ocean .
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office identified the female victim as 65-year-old Mary Malouf of Salt Lake City. She was in northern California visiting her son. Monday the pair walked to the edge of Humboldt Bay’s North Jetty.
While there, Humboldt County officials say the two were hit by a large wave. Both fell into the ocean. But, while the son managed to cling to the jetty rocks, officials say the surf swept Malouf to sea.
Searchers from the United States Coast Guard, Samoa Peninsula Fire District, and Humboldt Bay Fire reportedly assisted in the search.
She was found in the water. Rescue workers administered CPR and transported Malouf to a hospital for medical treatment where she was pronounced dead.
According to the Associated Press, Malouf, a Texas native, served as the executive editor of Salt Lake Magazine since 2007.
The National Weather Service warns that breaking waves as tall as 28 feet remained a possible threat for beachgoers and mariners in the area on Tuesday afternoon.