A Canadian father and his 7-year-old daughter tragically lost their lives when a massive wave swept them into the Pacific Ocean during what should have been a peaceful family outing at Monterey County’s coastline.
Story Summary
- 39-year-old Yuji Hu and his 7-year-old daughter died after a 15-20 foot wave pulled them into the ocean.
- Father was rescued and given CPR, but died at the hospital; daughter’s body was recovered two days later.
- Mother survived with mild hypothermia; the 2-year-old child remained safely on shore.
- Tragedy occurred near the Rocky Point Restaurant in Monterey County on November 14, 2025.
Massive Wave Claims Father and Daughter
Yuji Hu, 39, of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and his 7-year-old daughter were enjoying a family visit near Rocky Point Restaurant when disaster struck just before 1 p.m.
A towering wave measuring 15 to 20 feet high swept the father and daughter into the Pacific Ocean’s churning waters. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office reported the family was positioned near the shoreline when the unexpected wave overwhelmed them.
A 39-year-old father and his 7-year-old daughter were found dead after a large wave pulled them into the ocean in Monterey County, California, authorities said.
The age of the girl was originally reported by officials as 5 years old.
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Desperate Rescue Efforts End in Heartbreak
The child’s mother immediately attempted to rescue her husband and daughter, but was also pulled into the dangerous waters. While she managed to fight her way back to shore and rejoin their unharmed 2-year-old, Yuji Hu courageously held onto his 7-year-old daughter in the ocean.
Emergency responders successfully extracted the father from the water and administered CPR, but he was pronounced dead after being transported to a local hospital. His daughter remained missing in the treacherous conditions.
Two-Day Search Ends with Heartbreaking Discovery
Search and rescue teams from the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office worked tirelessly for two days to locate the missing child. On Sunday, a diver discovered the young girl’s body approximately 100 yards offshore and roughly half a mile north of where she was last seen.
The diver immediately brought the child to shore and alerted California State Parks officials, while Monterey County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue teams assisted with the recovery operation.
Family Left to Mourn Devastating Loss
The surviving mother was hospitalized in stable condition after suffering mild hypothermia from her time in the frigid Pacific waters. The 2-year-old child remained physically unharmed throughout the tragic incident.
This heartbreaking event serves as a stark reminder of the ocean’s unpredictable and dangerous nature, particularly during the winter months when larger swells and powerful waves can appear without warning. The loss of this father and daughter highlights how quickly family outings can turn tragic when natural forces strike.
