Fatal shark attacks are rare in California, but that’s what happened on Saturday off Sand Dollar Beach when 26 year-old surf-board maker (and shaper) Ben Kelly’s leg was bitten by a 10-12 foot long young adult Great White Shark. Although Kelly and a friend were able to use a surf-leash as a tourniquet, and paddle quickly back to shore, Kelly lost too much blood. He is the first person to die from a shark bite in California in 16 years.
A paddle-out will be held for Kelly at a later time. A Go Fund Me account, named “Ben Kelly Memorial Fund” has raised more than $97,000 dollars….so far. That money will go to Kelly’s wife, Katie.
