College student jumps from cliff and vanishes in ocean, California officials say

One of two swimmers who struggled in the ocean after jumping off a Santa Cruz cliff remains missing, California firefighters reported.

The second swimmer made it back to shore in the incident at about 4:45 p.m. Sunday, May 4, the Santa Cruz Fire Department said in a May 5 news release.

Onlookers saw the two jump off a cliff into the ocean, then begin to struggle swimming back to shore, firefighters said. The second person may have gone underwater.

Searchers from several agencies looked for the missing swimmer using drones, aircraft and boats, firefighters said.

The University of California, Santa Cruz, identified the missing swimmer as an undergraduate student at the school, KRON reported.

“We are heartbroken to learn about the tragic death of a UC Santa Cruz undergraduate student,” the university said in a statement. “Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends. We are in touch with the family and are providing support to others who are impacted.”

City officials warned residents to be careful along coastal cliffs and beaches, KSBW reported.

“Know how strong of a swimmer you are and know what the ocean is doing,” fire Capt. Dave Bodine told the station. “Know before you go. Talk to locals. Talk to lifeguards. Talk to the fire department. We’re here to protect. We want you to enjoy and have a good time, and we will steer you in the correct direction so that you can do that.”

Santa Cruz is about a 75-mile drive south from San Francisco.

This story was originally published May 7, 2025 at 11:52 AM with the headline "College student jumps from cliff and vanishes in ocean, California officials say."