Salt Lake City Woman Visiting the Area Dies After Waves Swept Her From the North Jetty

A U.S. Coast Guard Dolphin Helicopter lifts off from the North Jetty transporting a woman was pulled from the surf. [All photos by Mark McKenna]

Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On Dec. 7, 2020, at about 12 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s Special Services deputies were dispatched to the North Jetty of Humboldt Bay for the report of a female victim who had been swept into the ocean.

Deputies arrived on scene and learned that the victim, identified as 67 65-year-old Mary Malouf of Salt Lake City, Utah, had been visiting the area and had come to the beach with her adult son to watch the waves. The two reportedly walked out to the end of the North Jetty wall and while there, a large wave suddenly swept over the wall.

A large wave breaks on the North Jetty.

Waves breaking over the North Jetty yesterday during the rescue.

Both individuals were knocked off their feet by the surge. The male victim was able to hold onto the jetty rocks, however Malouf was swept out to sea.

The United States Coast Guard, Samoa Peninsula Fire District and Humboldt Bay Fire assisted in the search for Malouf utilizing ground crews, rescue boats and a helicopter. At about 1 p.m., crews located and recovered Malouf from the water.

Malouf was transported via helicopter to a local hospital where she was pronounced deceased.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office sends our deepest sympathies to the family of Ms. Malouf during this incredibly difficult time.

A High Surf Advisory remains in effect through 4 p.m. today for Humboldt County. According to the National Weather Service, breaking waves of 22 to 28 feet will continue to create hazardous conditions for beachgoers and mariners. The public is urged to use extra caution near the surf zone and avoid rocks and jetties.

A U.S. Coast Gaurd Dolphin Helicopter searches with the surf with two 47-foot Motor LIfeboats just north of the North Jetty after a woman fell into the ocean from the tip of the Jetty.

A U.S. Coast Gaurd Dolphin Helicopter searches with the surf with two 47-foot motor lifeboats just north of the North Jetty after a woman fell into the ocean from the tip of the Jetty. [Photos by Mark McKenna]

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25 Comments
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Z
Guest
Z
3 years ago

I’m very sorry she passed. I’m wondering if the North Jetty has a sign posted in the parking lot about how folks should check NWS website for big wave warnings. If they’re posted, skip the North Jetty that day. Big Lagoon Beach finally got a sign posted.

Xingu
Guest
Xingu
3 years ago
Reply to  Z

Not to mention that her son is apparently a local resident who should have known better.

Guest
Guest
Guest
3 years ago
Reply to  Xingu

I imagine he feels pretty awful about that right now. It is sad for him too. But we don’t know who made the choice. The lady could have lived here and it was something she had done then. It’s easy to judge but stories in the news don’t have enough information to judge.

Guest
Guest
Guest
3 years ago
Reply to  Xingu

No, he actually wasn’t, it was an honest accident. Why the rush to judge?

Mr. Bear
Guest
3 years ago
Reply to  Z

There used to be multiple signs

Guest
Guest
Guest
3 years ago
Reply to  Mr. Bear

In fact I once talked to a group people who were climbing over a gate on top of the jetty that had a warning sign on it about how dangerous the waves could be. Some went on and a couple turned back. At least they kept the small children off.

That gate was not maintained years ago and I wonder if it even still exists. But even when I said that people have died going out there and the sign was right there, some still went.

gringa
Guest
gringa
3 years ago
Reply to  Z

The north jetty has signs that say DO NOT WALK THE JETTY and that’s at anytime! Not just during surf advisories.

Lone Ranger
Guest
Lone Ranger
3 years ago
Reply to  Z

Maybe look down the jetty before walking out on it, especially if waves are breaking over the top at low tide is a definite no go. No signage needed.

J
Guest
J
3 years ago

I’ve been thinking about how many non Covid related deaths have been prevented by Covid restrictions. Like if she had followed the no non essential travel suggestion for the safety of others, she’d still be here. There are a lot of random deaths that didn’t happen because of Covid.

Guest
Guest
Guest
3 years ago
Reply to  J

Somewhat true but also to be balanced with deaths that occur because of restrictions. If we all wanted to be as safe as possible, everyone could just stay home forever.

B
Guest
B
3 years ago
Reply to  J

On the other hand suicide rates are up. I would say that getting out and in touch with nature is what people really NEED to do. Being couped up in a house is bad for your mental and physical well-being.

https://abc7news.com/suicide-covid-19-coronavirus-rates-during-pandemic-death-by/6201962/

Guest
Guest
Guest
3 years ago

Actually a pretty sad story. She had just lost her father to Covid and it sounded like she was down here visiting her son. Yes, I am a FB snooper.

Fog Dog
Guest
Fog Dog
3 years ago

Several folks have met a similar fate over the years. The ocean is a beautiful, powerful and unforgiving force. You have to respect it and if you don’t or are unaware of it’s power, there can be tragic consequences. What a heartbreaking thing for this family to go through. Someone lost a Sister /Mother/ Spouse/ Grandma here right during the holiday season. So very, very, sad. My deepest condolences. There is even bigger surf today. 17ft at 18 seconds. Everyone please be careful out there!

Sonybaliney
Guest
Sonybaliney
3 years ago

It pisses me off that some of you would just be assholes about this and disrespect the dead and their grieving loved ones.

Prayers for her and her family
Guest
Prayers for her and her family
3 years ago
Reply to  Sonybaliney

Sony,
thanks. Prayers for her and her family.

Chuck U
Guest
Chuck U
3 years ago

I wouldn’t be too harsh on judgement. I had lived here for 4 years at the time (1995), life long surfer and waterman but never surfed up here so I could focus my limited student gear funds on climbing the SCUBA certification program at HSU and mountain sports. My brother was a regular surfer at the jetty. Still I found myself running for my life to the light tower before a wave cleared the entire deck with 3 ft of wash, and I was even smart enough to time the low tide. Luckily I had the experience to spot a rouge set and gave enough advanced warning to get to the tower or the foreign exchange students I had with me would all be in the drink. I was totally clueless how dangerous it was out there. 25 years later I have never stepped off the sand anywhere near that jetty. My condolences to all affected.

Mike
Guest
Mike
3 years ago

It’s a little early to declare cause of death, have they given her a covid test yet?

Guest
Guest
Guest
3 years ago
Reply to  Mike

Really? You couldn’t resist even in such a somber article when the poor family just suffered a covid death? There’s time to delete it.

Muddy Black Dodge
Guest
3 years ago
Reply to  Mike

Not funny ‘Mike’

Mike
Guest
Mike
3 years ago

There’s nothing funny about comorbidity.

Guest
Guest
Guest
3 years ago

It’s a very attractive place, offering a paved surface for strolling and the waves crashing apparently safely below. Knowing that people have been swept away, I have taken the risk myself. So maybe I’m less critical of others doing the same than I should be.

Since it apparently can’t be stopped, maybe it could be made safer? Or maybe a memorial listing the people who have died should be placed right at the beginning…

Bushytails
Guest
Bushytails
3 years ago
Reply to  Guest

Safer would probably be a railing of stainless steel cables on both sides, to try to keep people from getting washed off the jetty if they do get hit by a wave… But would that illusion of safety cause even more people to head out there, thinking it must be sanctioned?

Prayers for her and her family
Guest
Prayers for her and her family
3 years ago

Maybe they could add some nets around the sides or something, if that’s affordable.

Bushytails
Guest
Bushytails
3 years ago

I’ve been out there… on a nice calm day with waves gently swirling amongst the dolosse…

Salty Dawg
Guest
Salty Dawg
3 years ago

I’ve been swept off a Jetty. It’s painful and damn near deadly depending on how you fall. You get your ass thrown to the rocks and then have to swim for your life against cold strong waves. Finally you need to pull yourself up on the same jetty you just got thrown from and clamor to safety before round two.

The ocean is a force not to be reckoned with lightly.

RIP Salt Lake Mary.