A surfer has been identified as being the victim of a horrific shark attack off the coast of Hawaii.
Jason Carter, 39, was killed on Saturday after Ocean Safety Officers responded to calls of a “miscellaneous type of incident”.
Lifeguards raced to the scene at Paia Beach, where they then transported Carter to shore after sustaining horrific injuries as a result of the “encounter” with the shark.
“Once onshore, life-saving measures were performed by first responder personnel until medic personnel arrived to transport the male to the Maui Memorial Medical Center for further treatment,” the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) agency said in a statement.
Carter was described as a 'legend' by friends
Carter, from Haiku, was as later pronounced dead at the hospital, aged just 39.
The DLNR said that the Hawaii local was in the water during “mixed” water conditions due to high surf.
A witness to the fatal attack told NBC that he recalled the shark being the size of a pick-up truck.
They told the network: “The shark just started biting him and pulling him down.
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“The dorsal fin was almost as big as his [Carter’s] body, the height of it was almost as high as his head sitting on the board. It was hard to hear him screaming.”
Following the attack, Baldwin Beach Park and Lower Pā’ia Park were closed to the public whilst the area was patrolled by officials on jet skies.
Posters warning of potential sharks have since been displayed at nearby beaches.
Police have not called the incident a shark attack and have not gone into any details regarding Carter’s injuries.
He died aged 39
An investigation has been opened but law officials have ruled out any signs of foul play.
An autopsy has been scheduled; the police department has stated.
Tributes poured in from devastated friends as they mourned the loss of the talented surfer.
Ryan Glen wrote: “Love you, Brother. You are a Legend and so loved. We will continue to shred down here and know you will too. RIP.”
Joel Montelongo said: “Oh man. Another amazing friend and an amazing person gone. Jay Carter rest easy my friend.”
Joshua Gibbins posted: “Jay Carter, rest in peace. Glad to have surfed and rode bikes with you.”
