Santa Cruz Surfer Broke His Neck: Coroner

Scott Woodworth did not suffer a heart attack as initially suspected.

A Santa Cruz surfer found dead off Pleasure Point last week broke his neck and drowned, according to the Santa Cruz County Coroner's report.

Scott Woodworth, 60, was an avid surfer. His body was found near the Hook at Pleasure Point on Monday afternoon, March 12.

He was found floating face down and still tethered to his surfboard. He had apparently been dead for about 40 minutes which left several gash wounds to his body and face as he hit the reef and the ocean floor, according to the coroner.

It was low tide and waves at the Hook were breaking between 3-4 feet.

Paramedics who were called to the scene last week initially suspected Woodworth died of a heart attack. The coroner's report now shows he likely fell.

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