SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — Two young women from Fremont, California, described as “high-flying friends” with bright futures, tragically lost their lives after being swept out to sea while napping on a notoriously dangerous beach in Santa Cruz County.

Harshita Nair, 21, and Mahial Sran, 20, both graduates of Washington High School in Fremont (class of 2023), were visiting Bonny Doon Beach (also referred to as an area near Panther Beach/Yellow Bank Beach) along Highway 1 last Wednesday when powerful waves and currents pulled them into the ocean.

Authorities say the friends were sleeping near a keyhole area of the beach — known for catching visitors off guard — when they were swept away by a rogue wave or rising tide amid hazardous ocean conditions caused by a large south swell.

Eight rescue swimmers from the Santa Cruz County Fire Department responded to the scene. The women were pulled from the water, with one transported by helicopter (CAL FIRE’s Copter 614) up the bluffs for medical care. Both were taken to local hospitals, where one was pronounced dead and the second initially remained in critical condition. Tragically, reports confirm both women ultimately perished.

The beach is well-known for its dangerous surf, powerful sneaker waves, and strong currents, conditions that have claimed lives before. Officials had warned of dangerous ocean conditions along the California coast that week.

Friends, family, and the community are mourning the loss of two close friends who had their entire lives ahead of them. The pair’s shared love of adventure and bright personalities earned them the affectionate description as “high-flying friends.”

This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable power of the Pacific Ocean, even on seemingly calm days. Authorities continue to urge beachgoers to heed warnings, avoid sleeping on the sand, and stay vigilant near the water during high surf advisories.