San Francisco State wrestler sucked away by waves during 'polar plunge' swim at ... trends now
A San Francisco State University wrestler went missing after diving into the ocean off the coast of a California beach for a 'polar plunge' with two friends on Thursday.
Hamzah Alsaudi, 22, was hit by a large wave and pulled away from the shore and disappeared beneath the waves while swimming at Esplanade Beach around 10.30 am, Pacifica police said.
The college sophomore's friends searched for the 22-year-old but when they couldn't find him managed to make their way back to the beach and called 911.
Police, lifeguards, and the Coast Guard looked for Alsaudi using drones, aircraft and a surface vessel, but called off the search Friday and will not resume search efforts this weekend.
San Francisco State University wrestler Hamzah Alsaudi, 22, went missing after diving into the ocean off the coast of a California beach for a 'polar plunge' with two friends on Thursday
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According to a report by KTVU, Pacifica, a city 15 miles south of San Francisco, was experiencing dangerous rip tides when Alsaudi was pulled out to sea.
Alsaudi was a senior majoring in Political Science with a minor in Arab and Muslim Ethnicities and Diasporas (AMED) Studies and was a beloved member of the SF State Wrestling team.
Friends said that Alsaudi and his friends had jumped into the rough waters for a 'polar plunge,' a trend when swimmers jump into cold water in the winter months.
'Sad, obviously. It hasn't fully set in yet. He was an amazing guy, one of my best friends on the team. Very giving,' said Callum Bisping.
Neighbor Diana Compin said she brought flowers to the scene to offer comfort to Alsaudi's loved ones.
She said during her morning walk, she came across Alsaudi's two friends right after he went missing.
