A vibrant 26-year-old local surfing entrepreneur was killed in a rare shark attack on Saturday afternoon, sending shockwaves through California’s close-knit surfing community and prompting immediate safety measures along the coast.
Ben Kelly was surfing at Manresa State Beach, off the coast of Monterey Bay, when he was attacked by an unknown shark species around 1:30 p.m. California Department of Parks and Recreation officials responded to the scene, but Kelly was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
The incident has left family, friends, and fellow surfers mourning the loss of a man remembered as “one of a kind” — a passionate surfer whose bright personality and love for the ocean touched many lives. Kelly is survived by his wife, Kelly.
Tributes poured in rapidly across social media, painting a portrait of a generous, beloved figure. “Ben you were such a light to many and were so loved,” one person wrote. Another described him as “a true legend and sweetest man I knew,” adding that “he showed love to everyone and was loved by many.”
A friend shared a particularly poignant farewell: “Ben, you are one of a kind, one of the good ones, and you will be sorely missed. Aloha bro and much love on your journey surfing to the stars.” On Kelly’s Instagram, a user highlighted the lasting impact of his life: “He left a beautiful gigantic footprint of love across this world!” Yet the grief remains raw, with many expressing disbelief. “No answers to the questions, ‘Why???’ It makes no sense!”
In response to the tragedy, authorities closed one mile south and one mile north of the attack site until May 14. Warning signs have been posted at beach access points and entrances within a one-mile radius to alert visitors of the potential danger.
Manresa State Beach already operates under pandemic-related restrictions, remaining closed to the general public from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Local residents are permitted to walk or bike on the beach as long as they maintain six feet of physical distancing.
Drone photographer Eric Mailander, who frequently monitors the waters of Monterey Bay, reported seeing dozens of great white sharks near the shoreline in recent weeks. On Saturday morning, he observed 15 sharks but noted that none displayed aggressive behavior.
This marks the second shark incident in California in recent weeks. Last month, a surfer sustained minor injuries in an attack at Moonlight Beach in San Diego on April 29.
Despite these events, shark attacks on humans remain exceptionally rare. According to the International Shark Attack File at the Florida Museum, there were only 64 unprovoked attacks worldwide in 2019, with just three occurring in California. The odds of a personal encounter with a shark are estimated at roughly one in 11.5 million.
The California Department of Parks and Recreation expressed its deepest sympathy to Kelly’s family and friends. As the surfing community processes this heartbreaking loss, Kelly’s legacy as a passionate waterman and kind soul endures — a reminder of both the beauty and inherent risks of the ocean he loved.