MENDOCINO CO., 12/23/25 – The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office is seeking assistance in identifying a woman who died after being swept out to sea at a Mendocino Coast beach on Monday.
Deputies responded around 2 p.m. to MacKerricher Beach at MacKerricher State Park, north of Fort Bragg, after Cal Fire dispatch requested assistance with a medical emergency, the Sheriff’s Office said.
According to deputies, the woman was swept off a rock by a large wave and into the ocean. Bystanders pulled her from the water, but she became unresponsive and lost consciousness on the beach. Bystanders attempted resuscitation efforts before first responders arrived, but the woman was pronounced dead at the scene, the Sheriff’s Office said.
During the investigation, deputies reported that no one at the scene knew the woman and she had no identifying documents on her. Deputies also found no suspicious circumstances and noted there were various witnesses at the scene.
Deputies checked unattended vehicles in the park’s parking lot and reviewed missing persons reports, but were unable to identify the woman.
An autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death. The woman is described as white and in her 70s, with no identifying tattoos, scars or marks.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 463-4086.