A tragic head injury at one of Santa Cruz’s most popular surf breaks has claimed the life of 19-year-old Nathaniel John Ramirez, who was knocked unconscious during dangerous ocean conditions at The Hook earlier this month.
Ramirez paddled out on November 5 amid heavy swell and powerful whitewash driven by king tides. While attempting to make it past the breakers, he was caught in the impact zone and suffered a significant head injury, rendering him unconscious in the water.
Rescue paddlers immediately entered the surf to reach him, but despite their efforts, Ramirez never regained consciousness. He was transported to Dignity Health Dominican Hospital but was pronounced dead two days later, on November 7, according to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office.
His surfboard was later found smashed against the rocks.
“He was discovered unconscious with trauma to his head,” officials told local reporters. “CPR was applied, and he was quickly transported to the hospital, but he never regained consciousness.”
Ramirez’s obituary described him as hardworking, funny, loving, and taken far too soon.
Dangerous Swell and High-Risk Surf Conditions
The deadly incident occurred during a week when large winter swells and king tides battered the California coastline. That same day, a cliff section collapsed elsewhere in Santa Cruz — a sign of just how powerful conditions were.
Surfers at The Hook, Pleasure Point, and surrounding breaks reported powerful currents, violent whitewash, and unpredictable sets — conditions that can dramatically increase the risk of traumatic head injuries, especially when boards or rocks are involved.
Legal Context: Head Injuries, Surf Accidents, and Liability in California
While surfing inherently carries risk, certain factors can create potential legal exposure depending on the circumstances surrounding a severe or fatal head injury:
- Premises Liability: If unsafe coastal infrastructure — such as deteriorating access points, unmaintained stairways, or a lack of hazard warnings — contributes to an injury, a public entity may be liable (Gov. Code §835).
- Negligence by Other Surfers: If another surfer collides with someone due to reckless behavior, improper board control, or violating surf etiquette, they may be considered negligent (Civil Code §1714).
- Defective Equipment Claims: If a leash, helmet, or board malfunctions or breaks unexpectedly, product liability may apply.
Grossly Hazardous Conditions
In extremely dangerous surf events (closed beaches, known cliff instability, or advisory-level conditions), failure to post warnings could also be scrutinized.
Families of those lost to traumatic head injuries may pursue compensation under California’s wrongful death statute (CCP §377.60) for damages including:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Emotional suffering and loss of companionship
- Long-term emotional trauma
How We Can Help
If your family has been affected by a tragedy like this Santa Cruz surfing head injury, you don’t have to navigate this difficult time alone. At Brain Injury Help Center, our experienced brain injury attorneys are here to guide you through your legal options with compassion and clarity.
We offer:
- Free Consultations: Understand your rights with no upfront cost.
- No-Win, No-Fee Guarantee: You only pay if we win your case.
- Comprehensive Support: From investigating the circumstances of the surf accident to recovering maximum compensation, we’re with you every step of the way.
Medical Treatment You Need, Money You Deserve
