The Region - News from Feb. 3, 1987

A 7-year-old Arizona boy dragged into the ocean by rough surf was pronounced dead hours after the accident that also killed his father, San Diego County coroner’s officials said. The victims were identified as Joshua Reetz and his father, Michael Lee Reetz, 34, both of Mesa. The elder Reetz died at Sharp Cabrillo Hospital shortly after the accident. Joshua, who was pulled from the water unconscious, died later at Children’s Hospital, authorities said. Lt. Chris Brewster of the San Diego Marine Safety Service said the accident occurred in a rocky area south of the Ocean Beach Pier. Reetz, his son and daughter, Amy Lynn, 9, were walking along the rocks when a large wave swept them out to sea, Brewster said. Amy Lynn was able to drag herself out of the water with the help of the children’s uncle, Joel Roemen, a San Diego resident.