The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office identified the 7-year-old swept into the ocean at Garapata State Beach as Anzi Hu; her body was recovered three days after the Nov. 14 incident. Her father, 39-year-old Yuji Hu, died after attempting to rescue her and was later pronounced dead at a hospital. A volunteer diver located Anzi about 100 feet offshore. The family has requested privacy and thanked those involved in the search; the incident occurred during a National Weather Service beach hazards warning.
7-Year-Old Anzi Hu Identified After Being Swept Out to Sea; Father Dies Trying to Save Her
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office identified the 7-year-old swept into the ocean at Garapata State Beach as Anzi Hu; her body was recovered three days after the Nov. 14 incident. Her father, 39-year-old Yuji Hu, died after attempting to rescue her and was later pronounced dead at a hospital. A volunteer diver located Anzi about 100 feet offshore. The family has requested privacy and thanked those involved in the search; the incident occurred during a National Weather Service beach hazards warning.
12:23 AM, 11/21/2025Society
Monterey County authorities have identified the 7-year-old girl who was swept into the ocean at Garapata State Beach on Friday, Nov. 14, as Anzi Hu of Calgary, Alberta. Her body was recovered three days later, on Sunday, Nov. 16.
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office said a volunteer diver from Stockton who leads the Angels Recovery Dive Team located Anzi about 100 feet offshore, floating behind a rock. The diver, Juan Heredia, is a father and volunteer who has assisted in the recovery of multiple missing people in recent years.
Chief Deputy Eric Bixler described the incident as deeply affecting for first responders. "This is one of these stories that really touches your heartstrings," Bixler said, noting how difficult the recovery and notifications were for everyone involved. He has met with the family to offer support as they grieve.
Rescue Attempt and Hospital Response
Anzi’s father, 39-year-old Yuji Hu, went into the water in an attempt to save his daughter. He was swept out to sea as well and later pulled from the water by an off-duty lifeguard. Yuji Hu was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The girl’s mother also entered the water trying to reach Anzi but managed to exit on her own. She was treated at a local hospital for mild injuries and released.
Weather and Safety Context
The incident occurred after the National Weather Service had issued a beach hazards warning for the area, cautioning beachgoers about unexpectedly large waves and dangerous surf conditions. The NWS has reported several surf-zone fatalities in California this year, underscoring how quickly conditions can become life-threatening near the shoreline.
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office said the family has requested privacy while they grieve and has expressed gratitude to the volunteer divers, emergency personnel and community members who participated in the search and recovery efforts. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.