Authorities have released the identity of an elderly woman who died after a tragic accident at MacKerricher State Park last week.
According to the Sonoma Index-Tribune, the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office has identified the victim as 77-year-old Diane Wittig, a long-time resident and native of Fort Bragg. On the afternoon of December 22nd, witnesses say Wittig was standing on a rock when she was knocked into the ocean by a large wave.
Bystanders successfully pulled her from the water and performed life-saving measures until paramedics arrived, but she was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. A preliminary autopsy has confirmed the cause of death as drowning.
Investigators say there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the accident. The coroner’s investigation remains ongoing as they await final forensic reports.