A Northern California surfer mauled by a shark this week described how a serene day on the waves turned into a life-threatening nightmare — and left him fighting for his life.
From his hospital bed, 39-year-old Jason Eastman recounted the chilling moment he was bitten in both legs while riding the surf near Big River Beach in Mendocino County.
“I thought of my wife and my kid and I was just like, I cannot die. I can’t die right now,” Eastman later told reporters.
What started as just another session ended with him fighting to survive and getting himself back to shore despite severe injuries.
Eyewitnesses said off-duty lifeguards nearby rushed to help pull him out of the water, with their quick action likely preventing a far worse outcome.
Authorities said the beach was closed for 48 hours in a standard safety precaution while officials assessed the situation.
California shark encounters are still rare, even as surfers up and down the coast face the looming presence of apex predators.
Stats show bites are almost always non-fatal, but when they do happen, they can leave victims with serious wounds.
Eastman is expected to make a long road to recovery with surgeries and rehabilitation ahead, but he’s already thinking about the future.
“I love surfing so much and I would be very said if I didn’t surf again… As far as everything else is concerned, I was extremely lucky,” he said.
Officials continue to monitor the area and release details about the shark species involved and the latest on Eastman’s condition.
