Surfing, often seen as an exciting and adventurous sport, has recently been linked to a tragic loss. Jorge Alvarado, a 49-year-old surfer, lost his life in a heartbreaking accident while surfing. On the morning of September 13, Jorge was riding the waves near Sunglow Pier in Daytona Beach Shores when he struck a sandbar and became entangled under the pier. Witnesses reported seeing him hit his head on a piling before disappearing in an area without lifeguard supervision.
Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue confirmed that shortly after 9 a.m., Jorge suffered a head injury when he became trapped underwater around a piling. Fellow surfers worked desperately for several minutes to free him. Despite their efforts, Jorge’s condition was dire. A GoFundMe page, set up to support his family, later shared the heartbreaking news on September 18, revealing that he had passed away after being placed on life support.
The announcement reflected the sorrow felt by those who knew him, stating, “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.” Friends and family have since come together, sharing cherished memories and heartfelt tributes in celebration of his life.
On October 5, friends and family gathered at the beach to honor Jorge’s memory and say their final goodbyes. A speaker paid tribute to him, saying, “George was loved by many. This was due to how he loved so freely.” His ability to make others feel seen and appreciated left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
Jorge was born in Puerto Rico and was the youngest of seven siblings. He moved to Deltona in the 1990s and joined the US Coast Guard. One of his brothers shared a humorous story about Jorge’s love for surfing, explaining how he chose the Coast Guard because it was the only branch that allowed him to bring his surfboard. He was told, “If he could strap it to the side of the boat, he could take it with him.”
Jorge later settled in Port Orange, where he started a family and became a mentor to young surfers and skateboarders. His wife, Brianna Toth, expressed both sadness and gratitude, saying, “I’m heartbroken, but I’m happy that this many people loved him.” Jorge’s positive impact on the community was clear, with friends like Chuck Ingram noting, “He was a big part of the community,” and Alejandro Gonzalez describing him as “a pleasant, very comforting spirit.” Jorge’s legacy as a beloved and remarkable person lives on through the many people whose lives he touched.
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