Paraglider Killed In Crash

On the morning Sunday, February 8th, park dispatch received a report of a paragliding accident in an area of the park known as Mussel Rock. Responding rangers and Park Police officers determined that the paraglider had perished in the accident. Paragliding is a popular activity in the area, although the launch and landing of the gliders occurs off of park property. Ranger Eric LaSalle encountered numerous public safety personnel from local jurisdictions at the scene who were not clear on which agency was responsible for the rescue. LaSalle determined that the accident had occurred approximately 40 minutes or more before his arrival and that the victim had been seen floating in the water by a fisherman. LaSalle requested additional assistance and declared the area a crime scene. A Park Police sergeant also responded to assist. Ranger Xave Agnew donned his wetsuit and entered the water to recover the body of the 46-year-old Palo Alton man. He was assisted by state rangers from Half Moon Bay State Beach. The San Mateo County Coroner’s Office and a detective from the Park Police led the investigation. The coroner’s office determined the man had died from drowning in association with blunt force trauma to the body.