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Family of bodysurfer who died at the Wedge speaks out
July 29th, 2009, 12:36 pm · 16 Comments · posted by Jeff Malanca, contributing writer
The family of the body surfer who lost his life trying to tackle the giant surf last week issued a statement to those who tried to save 50-year old Monte Valentin’s life.
Here’s what the statement, given to Surfer Magazine, reads:
“We, the family of Monte Kevin Valentin, would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the courageous and caring surfers and lifeguards who risked their lives trying desperately to save Monte last friday at the “Wedge” in Newport Beach.
We will miss him beyond imagination! But, we know in our hearts that Monte is ok and that he “transitioned to his next life” doing what he loved most…riding waves!
Most Sincerely,
Luana Valentin, Natashia Valentin, Eric Valentin, Nicole Valentin-Smith, and families.”
Read the full post from Surfer Magazine here. And read more from the story on ocregister.com.
> Get more Orange County surf coverage.
16 Comments
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Using a headline that has within it the phrase “speaks out” gives a horrifically skewed summation of what the family tried to do. Very clumsy of the OCR.
“Family of bodysurfer killed at The Wedge expresses thanks” would have been just as succinct and a heck of a lot more accurate.
Where is the craft in writing these days?
Mad love for you brother—-May the lord guide you to a wonderful place to rest your soul (hopefully where there are waves).
People just say that to help with the grieving process. I, for one, would rather be alive doing something I hate than dead from doing something I loved.
Then Matt, you have never done something that you REALLY loved… It’s not like he thought he was going to die. Jumpers don’t “know” this jump is the one where the Parachute, and the back-up didn’t open… he didn’t know that 20+ foot set was coming through… If I avoided EVERYTHING that could kill me, I would have a sad, sad, life…. I know there are some things that are risky, and it’s worth it.
Wow, you must really live in fear.
ya, i bet you right before he died having fun that he wished he was that person who died in that car crash that they cant identify because they are so badly burnt. RIP, you too matt
Toche’ Joecairo…….. they should give you the job
Matt is spot on.
Sometimes doing something you love means taking chances. The roll of the dice is random and sometimes people die. The fact however is people aways die at the end. So it really is how you have lived your life and whether you feel that life meant something. Dying at a rather young age (50) may seem wasteful but thinking of this body surfer, had he lived, he would have accomplished something special for him alone to appreciate. Since he died, and I am sure he didn’t want to die, if he was able to reflect on the circumstances of his death, I am sure he would still challenge those waves for that once in a lifetime accomplishment. This person was a real (body) surfer. Condolences to his family.
God Bless you Monte, you have such a wonderful family to write such a touching statement and you will be missed.
crs…Matt is not spot on. I can think of numerous hypothetical situations that Matt would hate, the whole time thinking he couldn’t die soon enough.
Doing what he loved,…And,…Pretty Damn Brave Too!
I don’t he died enjoying being slamed into the rocks….
People say stupid things in trying times…..like Matt for example !
This reply is for JoJo and Matt…
You guys must feel real tough saying horrible things behind your computer screens! Monte was more of a man than you un happy cynical computer geeks will ever be. I would usually never post a comment on one of these forums because i don’t feel its anyone business to comment on such a tragic event like a man losing his life, but i am trying to coop with Monte’s death. You guys need to grow up and become men and have some respect. Start using your full and real name when you post crap like that. Monte left this place in peace doing what he loved, and the people that love him know that.
Well said Sean. If you need someone to talk to you got my number.