Man dies while surfing at Hollister Ranch beach

BY ERIC LINDBERG
DAILY SOUND STAFF WRITER

A man died Monday while surfing at a Hollister Ranch beach despite a quick response from emergency crews and bystanders.
Authorities said witnesses saw the victim, Frank Louda, 61, surfing just after noon. Moments later, he was spotted floating in the water, County Fire Capt. Eli Iskow said.

Other surfers pulled the victim from the water and a bystander, reportedly an emergency room doctor from Ventura, began cardiopulmonary resuscitation immediately, Capt. Iskow said.
Emergency crews received the call at 12:21 p.m. and responded with an airlift helicopter and paramedics. A lifeguard from El Capitan State Beach also arrived and aided in CPR efforts.
After loading the victim into the helicopter, fire crews flew to a field near La Cumbre Junior High School, the closest landing spot to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, Capt. Iskow said.
Louda was transported to the hospital by ground ambulance with CPR being performed continuously, authorities said, despite a lack of breathing or pulse. Hospital officials confirmed yesterday evening that he had been pronounced dead.