On July 16, 2024, a tragic incident took the lives of Pedro David Guadarrama Ceron, 30, and his expectant partner Emma Nelly Diazleal Lopez, 33, in San Jose, California. According to reports, the couple was swept away by a powerful wave while they were photographing near West Cliff Drive, an area infamous as the “death rocks” due to its treacherous currents.
The couple was taking photos on the rocks when they were engulfed by a sneaker wave. Witnesses promptly dialed 911, and when the first responders arrived, they discovered Ceron and Lopez floating face down in the water. Despite their immediate rescue efforts and rapid response, both victims were pronounced dead shortly after being retrieved from the ocean.
As per the Santa Cruz Fire Department, the incident happened around 6:15 p.m. The victims couldn’t be saved, despite ongoing resuscitation efforts, confirmed Fire Chief Rob Oatey. He underscored the hazardous nature of the location, explaining that the continuously evolving surface, varying heights of the rocks, and capricious waves make the area extremely dangerous. Falling into the water exposes an individual to powerful currents and numerous obstacles like coves, caves, and rocks, increasing the risk of entrapment or unconsciousness.
The couple had entered the rocky area by descending a cliff, despite warning signs advising against it. The Santa Cruz Fire Department once again urged the public to respect the ocean and adhere to safety guidelines, stating, “Never turn your back on the ocean and be aware of tidal conditions.” They highlighted the dangers of specific southerly swells and rising tides, which can generate sneaker waves that may surprise and endanger beachgoers.
According to the couple’s family, who spoke to the media, they were engaged and had just recently discovered that they were expecting a child.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the necessity of caution along the coast. Chief Oatey emphasized the significance of safety equipment and appealed to the public to respect and maintain lifesaving tools. He also pointed out that the rescue box near the incident site was found to be empty, which could impede emergency operations.
While the Santa Cruz coast is celebrated for its picturesque beauty, attracting many locals and tourists, it is also infamous for its dangerous conditions, particularly around the “death rocks.” Over time, this area has taken multiple lives, leading to repeated warnings from the authorities. The combination of slippery rocks and sudden waves can quickly transform a scenic outing into a hazardous situation.