UNR student ID’d as paddleboarder presumed dead
By Associated Press
Authorities have identified a paddleboarder who went missing in Lake Tahoe as a UNR football player.
The Placer County Sheriff’s Office says the search was ongoing Saturday for Marc Ma, but at this time believe it will be recovery.
Marc Ma
According to a news release, Ma was on a paddleboard trip with several football players the afternoon of June 10. The group was on the West Shore when they encountered strong winds. There had been a lake wind advisory Friday.
Ma’s board was found adrift. He was not wearing a life jacket.
“The Placer County Sheriff’s Office is calling this search one of recovery, not rescue. As such, it is with an incredibly heavy heart that we acknowledge the loss of Marc Ma, a beloved member of our Wolf Pack family,” Nevada head football Coach Brian Polian said in a statement.
Ma, who is from Honolulu, is listed on the Nevada Wolf Pack website as a sophomore who plays defensive end.
North Tahoe Fire Protection District officials say crews were called shortly before 3:30pm Friday to Obexer’s Marina, about 700 yards off shore. North Tahoe Fire spokesman Ron Carson says other paddleboarders had turned back toward shore because of high winds and noticed one person was missing.
Wind advisory, no life jacket, not staying together, athletes thinking they are invincible. Actions that cost a life. Wake up people !
I heard on a morning news broadcast that this young man’s parents have already arrived in Tahoe after travelling from Hawaii. In the event they read this article and the posted comments, I would like to extend to them my sincerest condolences on this very sad loss.
Perhaps some of the usual on-line pontificators will give Mr. Ma’s parents a break and withhold their cruel criticisms. These people have already suffered enough.
hear-hear 4mer.
My sincerest condolences to the family. I am so sorry.
I can’t imagine why a business would rent paddleboards in the middle of a very strong lake wind advisory. I wonder if they at least advised the customers of the potentially dangerous conditions (both strong offshore winds and cold water) and told them to wear life jackets.