DAYTONA BEACH SHORES, Fla. – A Volusia County surfer who was in the hospital after a surfing accident has died, the man’s friend told WKMG News6 on Wednesday.
Jorge Alvarado, 49, suffered a head injury while surfing Friday morning, crashing into the Sunglow Pier in Daytona Beach Shores.
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Beach Safety officials said Alvarado was surfing near the pier when he went underwater, likely hitting his head either on the sand or a sandbar. They said he was held underwater and then wrapped around a piling on the pier. It took other surfers, restaurant staff, and other bystanders several minutes to free him.
Chris Chibbaro, a friend of Alvarado, told News 6 he died.
“It was an epic adventure for him right up until the end,” he said.
An update on Wednesday on a GoFundMe set up for the 49-year-old also confirmed his death: “It is with a heavy heart that Jorge has passed away and has gone home to be with the Lord. Jorge, rest in paradise brother…..Your spirit was as vibrant as the ocean waves you loved to ride. You brought joy and adventure to everyone around you. You were always there to lift others up, encouraging everyone to push their limits and embrace life fully. Your passion for surfing was matched only by your love for your friends and family. Though you’re no longer with us, your passion for surfing and your infectious laughter will forever echo in our hearts. We’ll carry your memory with us every time we get in the water, knowing you’re out there in the surf, riding the biggest wave of all watching over each and everyone of us. Rest easy Jorge Alvarado. We love you brother. To everyone that prayed, showed support to the family, and donated….. THANK YOU! Jorge was loved by so many people and he will truly be missed. #livelikejorge”
Alvarado had been on life support in the hospital since the accident.
“Jorge is the embodiment of the phrase ‘this little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine,’” Chibbaro said.
Alvarado was described by many friends as a staple in the Volusia surf community.
“He has this jovial spirit, makes fast friends with everyone. He’s kind of like all of the community youngsters, he’s almost like their uncle and dad or something,” said Brian Holmes, another friend.
To donate to the GoFundMe, click here.