Surfing may seem like a thrilling adventure, but it’s now linked to the heartbreaking loss of someone’s life. It was Jorge Alvarado, a 49-year-old surfer whose life ended way too soon while surfing. On the morning of September 13, Jorge was riding waves just south of the Sunglow Pier in Daytona Beach Shores when he hit a sandbar and got tangled under the pier. Witnesses saw him strike a piling with his head before he vanished in an unguarded area.

According to Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue, shortly after 9 a.m., the man suffered a head injury when he became entangled underwater, caught around a piling. Fellow surfers worked tirelessly for several minutes to free him, as noted by Ocean Rescue. A GoFundMe page set up to support Jorge’s family shared the sad news on September 18, announcing that he had passed away after being placed on life support.

The update captured the heartache of those who knew him: “It is with a heavy heart that Jorge has passed away. 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.” And now his friends and family have come together, sharing sweet memories and heartfelt tributes to celebrate his life.

Surfer honored by friends and family

On October 5 morning, Jorge Alvarado’s family and friends met at the beach to honor his life and say goodbye. A speaker nicely described Jorge, saying, “George was loved by many. This was due to how he loved so freely.” His remarkable ability to make people feel seen and appreciated left a lasting impact on everyone he encountered.

Jorge was born in Puerto Rico and was the youngest of seven siblings. He moved to Deltona in the 90’s and joined the US Coast Guard. One of his brothers shared a light-hearted story about how he chose this branch because the others wouldn’t let him bring his beloved surfboard. So they took him to the Coast Guard, where he was told, “If he could strap it to the side of the boat, he could take it with him.”

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Later, Jorge moved to Port Orange, where he started his family and mentored young surfers and skateboarders. “I’m heartbroken, but I’m happy that this many people loved him,” stated his wife, Brianna Toth. His impact on the community was undeniable, with friends like Chuck Ingram noting, “He was a big part of the community,” and Alejandro Gonzalez calling him a “pleasant, very comforting spirit.” Jorge truly was an amazing person, cherished by many.