Deadly Shark Attack in Morro Bay
On the morning of Christmas Eve, there was a deadly shark attack in Morro Bay, California.
A 42-year-old man, later identified as Tomas Butterfield, was found by a woman surfing at the beach.
The surfer, Rebecca, saw his boogie board and found him face down in the water. She dragged him out of the water, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
While this was a deadly shark attack, no one has come forward to say they’ve witnessed it.
According to Tomas Butterfield’s uncle, Tomas was a shy man that loved golfing and fishing. He did this often with his brother Ben.
Tomas was in the area visiting his mother for Christmas. His mother Maria and brother Ben came looking for him on the beach where they found out about the deadly shark attack.
His friend of 22 years, CJ Franke, said that Tomas was “one of a kind” and her “go-to tennis partner.”
Another friend, Corrie Ratzat, conveyed Tom’s brother’s message stating, “Ben wants everyone to know that Tom died doing what he loved.” The family is also thankful to Rebecca for being there and giving them closure.
While shark attacks are rare, they can end up deadly. In 2021, there were 81 shark attacks, of which only nine were deadly. This is worldwide, and the only fatal shark attack in the USA would be this one, in Morro Bay, California.
Swimming With the Sharks
Whether you are boogie-boarding, surfing or swimming where sharks frequent, always have someone with you. If you do not know anyone, make sure there are onlookers or other beachgoers around you.
Tom was found in the water around ten forty in the morning.
Sharks are more active in the morning and during dusk. Please be sure to stay out of the water during this time and when there is low visibility.
While the water is freeing, it’s also home to many of our shark friends that can easily mistake you for a meal they want.
You can also watch plenty of shark attack videos to learn what you should and shouldn’t do.
