July 13--A man who went missing Sunday afternoon in the water off Zuma Beach and was found dead has been identified, the Los Angeles County coroner said.
Jose DeJesus Garcia, 28, of Sun Valley died Sunday after a lifeguard reported a person missing when he disappeared into the surf near tower No. 9 at the popular Malibu beach, said Art Marrujo, a dispatcher with the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
About six lifeguard units, one paramedic and a helicopter were deployed to find the man, who was spotted in the water at 4:44 p.m., Marrujo said.
Garcia was pronounced dead at the scene.
Garcia's death came as dangerous surf hit Southern California's beaches. Los Angeles County lifeguards issued a statement Sunday warning that elevated surf and dangerous rip currents were washing across the coastline.
In Venice Beach alone, lifeguards made 89 rescues Saturday, the agency tweeted.
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