Father who died in Big Sur water rescue identified, girl still missing

The father who died after attempting to rescue his 7-year-old daughter pulled away at sea in the Central Coast was identified Saturday evening by officials.

The child remains missing.

Yuji Hu, 39, of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, went into the ocean at Garrapata State Beach on Friday in an effort to save his daughter who was pulled in by large waves, according to a news release from the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.

While attempting to save his daughter, Hu was pulled farther into the ocean, the release said. An off-duty California State Parks officer and beach visitor were able to bring Hu back to shore, where they performed CPR on him, according to the release.

The daughter, however, remained missing, the release read. She was last seen wearing a white shirt.

The family’s mother was present at the beach that day, and attempted to assist in the rescue. According to the release, she was also swept into the ocean, but made it back to shore. A 2-year-old child with the family remained unharmed during the events on Friday, the release said.

Both Hu and the mother were transported to a local hospital, and Hu was later pronounced dead, the release read. The mother was last listed with mild hypothermia.

A large-scale search effort for the missing 7-year-old began on Friday, The Tribune previously reported, and resumed on Saturday between multiple agencies from sunrise into sunset, according to the release.

The search continues into Sunday, and while large-scale efforts have since been suspended, California State Parks personnel at Garrapata State Beach will continue accessible searches on foot, the release said.

According to the release, the family does not wish to issue a public statement and has requested privacy during this time.

This story was originally published November 16, 2025 at 11:10 AM.