Overview
- Laguna Beach Marine Safety received a 911 call about a missing male swimmer, which came Monday evening around 7:30 p.m., and the Marine Safety dive team located the man about 45 minutes later.
- The swimmer was rushed to Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo and was later pronounced dead by hospital staff.
- The Orange County Sheriff’s Office identified the victim on Tuesday as 24-year-old Moustafa Gulzarzada of Fontana.
- Multiple agencies took part in the search, including Laguna Beach public safety staff, Newport Beach lifeguards, the U.S. Coast Guard and an Orange County sheriff’s helicopter.
- Officials noted this is at least the second drowning in Laguna Beach this summer, a pattern that local agencies say highlights the seasonal dangers of strong surf and rip currents and may lead to increased patrols and public warnings.