The grieving families of two California college students who drowned after being swept into the ocean last week are pushing back on early accounts of the tragedy, saying the young women were not asleep on the beach when the deadly wave hit.
Harshita Nair, 21, and Mahial Sran, 20, both of Fremont, died on June 10 after a powerful “sneaker wave” pulled them into the water at Panther Beach in Bonny Doon, near Santa Cruz. The sudden wave reportedly rushed far higher up the shoreline than the waves before it, cutting off the pair’s path to safety.
In the aftermath, some reports suggested the two friends had been napping while sunbathing when they were overtaken by the surf. But Nair’s father, Ashok Nair, said that version of events is wrong.
Speaking to the California Post, Ashok said the evidence left behind on the beach does not support the idea that the women were sleeping. He pointed to their belongings, which he said remained dry.
“They weren’t sleeping there, because their bags were completely dry,” Ashok said. He argued that if the students had been asleep near their belongings, the bags would likely have been swept away as well or soaked by the water.
“If they were sleeping, their bags would also have gone with them or would have been completely wet,” he added.
Sran’s teenage brother, Aagman, also noted that his sister was a responsible young woman who cared for him and all those around her.
‘She always took care of whatever needed to be done. She always delivered,’ he said.
Harshita Nair, 21, a legal studies major at UC Berkeley, died close to the shore in Santa Cruz
Mahial Sran, 20, a public health BS at San José State University, also died in the tragedy
Cal Fire spokesman Michael Horn said officials were first alerted about the tragedy at 5pm and eight rescuers promptly swam into the dangerous waters to save the two longtime friends.
One of the rescuers, who did not want to be named, said he brought Sran ashore after diving into a six-foot break along with another responder.
Nair had already been pulled from the ocean close to Yellow Bluff Beach. The pair had entered the shoreline via a keyhole in the rocks.
The term ‘keyhole’ refers to a section of shoreline that allows access to a smaller stretch of sand, but only when the tide is out or waves are not crashing through it.
‘We go through that keyhole, and there’s waves crashing through it,’ the swimmer previously told the Post. ‘And then me and my partner, we start searching for the second victim.’
The rescuer said he saw the young woman floating face down, about 20 yards from the shore.
‘I’m able to get her up on my chest and keep her airway out of the water, and my partner is able to swim over and clip in with me, and we just swim her in together,’ he said.
Both women were alive when they were pulled from the water.
But Nair died soon after she was recovered, while Sran was rushed to the hospital where she received emergency treatment until Saturday.
Nair’s father, Ashok Nair, refuted reports that the two girls were asleep when they were pulled into the ocean by a ‘sneaker wave’
Eight rescue swimmers were deployed on Wednesday to search for the two missing women
The two friends were relaxing on Bonny Doon Beach in Santa Cruz, California
The two women graduated together from Washington High School in 2023.
They were due to graduate college in 2027, Nair in legal studies at UC Berkeley and Sran in public health and psychology at San José State University.
Nair hoped to work in law and public service to directly help communities and expand their access to opportunity.
At school, Sran was a member of the Public Health Peer Ambassadors club which hosts productivity workshops and social events to help public health students.
Officials at the school said: ‘The entire SJSU community shares in the grief felt by those who loved and cared for her.’
Meanwhile at Berkeley officials said Nair’s death caused ‘immense sadness’ at the school.
‘We wish to extend our condolences to this student’s family and friends,’ spokesman Adam Ratliff told the San Francisco Chronicle.
Outgoing Associated Students of the University of California (ASUC) President at UC Berkeley, Abigail Verino, also noted on social media that Nair (pictured) once won the superlative of ‘Most likely to be the kindest soul’
The outgoing Associated Students of the University of California (ASUC) President at UC Berkeley, Abigail Verino, also noted on social media that Nair once won the superlative of ‘Most likely to be the kindest soul.’
‘That superlative describes exactly the incredible person she was to every person she crossed paths with,’ Verino posted. ‘Her warmth, love for life and compassion are what she would be forever known for.’
‘The Office of the President remembers and celebrates her vibrant spirit that made the office what it was,’ she added.
An online obituary further described Nair as a ‘cherished sister, granddaughter and a treasured friend to many.’
‘In her short but beautiful life, Harshita left an unforgettable mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her,’ it read, saying she radiated, ‘energy, warmth and joy wherever she went.’
‘She had a deep love for adventure and embraced every moment with enthusiasm and courage,’ the obituary continued. ‘Her spirit was contagious, her laughter uplifting and her presence comforting.’
It then went on to say Nair, ‘simply could not bear to see anyone sad.’
‘Harshita always found a way to lift others up, to brighten their day and to make them feel seen and valued.
‘Her kindness, compassion and unwavering positivity touched countless lives,’ the obituary said.
‘Though her time with us was far too short, the love she gave and the joy she shared will continue to inspire and guide us,’ it concluded.
Panther Beach is known for having a steep surf line and strong currents that combine to create dangerous conditions
Fremont Mayor Raj Salwan also remembered the college students in his own statement posted to Facebook on Tuesday, saying their ‘young lives were filled with promise.’
‘Our Fremont community is heartbroken by this tragic loss,’ he said. ‘My deepest condolences are with the families, friends, classmates and everyone grieving this unimaginable loss.’
The mayor then urged residents to exercise caution at nearby beaches, as the California coast continues to be pounded by strong ocean swells.
Panther Beach in particular is known for having a steep surf line and strong currents that combine to create dangerous conditions.
‘Sneaker waves, strong currents and rising tides can strike without warning,’ Salwan said, reminding residents to ‘never turn your back on the ocean.’
