[ricki]

The cause of death is as yet unknown. It may have been a heart attack, drowning, cervical fracture or other unknown cause. Kiters have been dragged further, perhaps at higher speed, surviving and yet many factors go into such things. It is possible that pre-existing medical considerations may have factored in this loss. Absent autopsy results we may never know.

The cause of the looping kite is also not known for certain. An instructor familiar with the kite in use felt that the looping was too "clean" to have been caused by a wingtip tangle and thought a tangle closer to the rider and control bar may have been responsible. Other cases of kites striking the water and coming up looping have been reported even with newer high depower "C" kites. Kiters should ASSUME that if their Flat kite or high depower "C" kite hits the water that it may come up looping and be prepared to deal with things accordingly as this sometimes will happen.

This was a well experienced kiter, riding in ideal conditions with a new, well sized kite in even wind conditions. Yet, this tragedy still happened. It would be prudent for riders to reexamine their riding practices, safety procedures and gear and consider you don't have to drop yourself in severe squall gusts to have serious problems.

The apparent training and response of resort personnel in this accident are notable. From trained beach boys with radio communication with other staff, to multiple rescue boats offshore (not stored on the beach), to safety knives on the boats, to CPR trained personnel. It would be good for other wind destination resorts to consider implementing such measures for the safety and convenience of their guests.