Would-Be Rescuer in Serious Condition
Four days after nearly drowning in an unsuccessful attempt to save his cousin’s life in heavy surf near Point Mugu State Park, a 35-year-old Oxnard man was in serious but stable condition Friday at a local hospital, authorities said.
Alex Talili was attending a family outing Memorial Day at Yung Hee Beach, when his cousin, 44-year-old Hansen Paialii of Oxnard, was overcome by 3- to 5-foot swells half a mile north of Deer Creek Road.
Talili jumped in the water to rescue his cousin, but was bashed against rocks and nearly drown.
Both men were airlifted to St. John’s Regional Medical Center, where Paialii was pronounced dead shortly after 2:30 p.m.
The county medical examiner ruled the cause of death as drowning, with diabetes listed as a contributing factor.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
