Surfer, 39, identified after being killed in horror fatal shark 'encounter'

1142     0
Jason Carter tragically died during a horrific shark encounter (Image: Jason Carter/Facebook)
Jason Carter tragically died during a horrific shark encounter (Image: Jason Carter/Facebook)

A 39-year-old surfer has been identified after being killed in a horrific shark "encounter" off the coast of Hawaii.

Jason Carter, from Haiku, was killed on Saturday after Ocean Safety Officers responded at around 11.15am to reports of a "miscellaneous type of incident."

The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) revealed Carter was in the water during 'mixed' water conditions resulting from high surf. Lifeguards were seen carrying the man on a jet ski to shore where they performed life-saving measures until he was rushed to Maui Memorial Medical Centre for further treatment.

READ MORE:Humans not prepared for 'slow moving disaster' as zombie deer disease spreads

Surfer, 39, identified after being killed in horror fatal shark 'encounter' eiqrtiukidqqinvCarter was a "legend", according to his friends (Jason Carter/Facebook)

"Once onshore, life-saving measures were performed by first responder personnel until medic personnel arrived to transport the male to the Maui Memorial Medical Center for further treatment," the Maui Police Department said in a statement. The 39-year-old later succumbed to his injuries.

Teen girl mauled to death by shark in front of her friends in horrendous attackTeen girl mauled to death by shark in front of her friends in horrendous attack

Police did not call the tragic incident a shark attack and refused to go into details of Carter's injuries, but police offered their condolences to the man's family and friends. Authorities added the man was from Haiku, a small community on Maui's north side. There were no initial signs of foul play. The investigation is ongoing and an autopsy is scheduled, according to the police department.

For all the latest news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA, go to The Mirror US

Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources said Carter was injured in Paia Bay, near Haiku. Shark warning signs were plastered on beaches one mile on either side of the bay following the incident.

Carter's social media shows the keen surfer enjoying the sunset at beaches. He formerly worked at ski lodges across Oregon, according to his profile.

Surfer, 39, identified after being killed in horror fatal shark 'encounter'He was a popular surfer (Jason Carter/Facebook)
Surfer, 39, identified after being killed in horror fatal shark 'encounter'Shark warning signs were in place following the death (countyofmaui/Instagram)

Tributes were paid to Carter on social media with friends calling him a "legend." "Love you Brother. You are a Legend and so loved. We will continue to shred down here and know you will too. RIP," one man wrote.

"Oh man. Another amazing friend and an amazing person gone," another remarked. "Rest easy my friend." In addition, a friend wrote that Carter's smile would 'always be in my head,' adding: 'Thanks for everything.'

Authorities confirmed that nearby Baldwin Beach Park and Baby Beach would be closed on Saturday. The Hawaii DLNR added: "Unfortunately the man passed away. He was surfing and water conditions were reported as ‘mixed’ due to high surf conditions. Following standard protocols, shark warning signs are up one mile on either side of the incident site from Tavares Bay to Baby Beach.

"By noon on Sunday, if no further signs of shark activity are detected, signs will be taken down,' the department said in a Facebook post. The incident is the seventh shark encounter in Hawaii waters this year.

The shark encounter comes after a woman was killed while paddle-boarding near the Bahamas. 44-year-ol d Lauren Erickson Van Wart from Boston, Massachusetts, was named by police as the victim after search and rescue teams found her paddle-board floating near the scene last month. Lauren was reportedly killed just one day after having a marriage blessing,

Lauren had been seen laughing and talking on her paddleboard in the waters off the coast of New Providence Island near the Sandals Resort. She had been swimming with family, the RBPF previously stated in a news release.

Hero desperately tried to save girl, 16, killed by shark in front of friendsHero desperately tried to save girl, 16, killed by shark in front of friends

Liam Buckler

Shark attack, Sharks

Read more similar news:

05.02.2023, 10:55 • News
Shark attack victim mauled to death praised as 'sweetest and smartest girl'
06.02.2023, 16:27 • World
World's shark attack hotspot saw 16 people bitten last year alone
07.02.2023, 13:13 • News
Frozen shark washes up on beach during cold blast in sub-zero conditions
13.02.2023, 15:50 • News
Diver kicks shark in face after 'survival instincts kick in' during attack
19.02.2023, 20:54 • News
Huge shark fin spotted off Cornwall coast freaks out beachgoers
20.02.2023, 15:58 • News
Shark attacked by dog after it jumps into the sea directly onto 12ft hammerhead
21.02.2023, 18:32 • News
Horrific moment shark mauls tourist to death just weeks after similar attack
22.02.2023, 13:00 • News
Woman finds giant tooth from 20ft shark in fascinating discovery on beach
23.02.2023, 09:39 • News
'World's biggest' great white shark with huge 20ft long body dwarfs diving cage
28.02.2023, 04:56 • News
Missing man found inside shark's stomach eight days after vanishing on quad bike