Venice Morns The Loss Of A Beloved Local

7:51 PM - 0 Comments

Local Venice surfer Liam Alexander Taylor passed away Friday night after suffering severe neck and head injuries in the waters off Moonstone Beach, up in Northern California.

Liam, known as "Red" to most out here, was only 19 years old. An experienced surfer and lifeguard, Red was a known fixture at the Venice Skatepark and Pier. Beloved by everyone, always a huge smile as bright as his red hair.

Red spent time in Venice and with his father and up north in Cambria with his mom. It was in Cambria, at Moonstone Beach where Red was surfing on Friday afternoon. According to reports, Red got caught in a 6-foot close-out wave that pounded against the sand floor, knocking him out. Two friends surfing within feet of Taylor, Johnny McElgunn and Mason Smith, pulled him out of the water and administered CPR, and within minutes fire officials from the Cambria Community Service District’s Fire Department arrived. They took over the rescue effort, eventually reviving Taylor, though he remained unresponsive. He was taken to Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center in San Luis Obispo, where family and friends gathered. About four hours later, Red passed away.

A paddle-out for Red will be this Saturday at the Venice Pier at 10:30am..

Donations can be made at Taylor/Triggs Bereavement Fund page.

"Red spread more joy and love in his short time than most people do in a lifetime.... He was one of the greatest people I have ever had the privilege to know, and he will forever live on in all of our hearts. Rest In Peace buddy." - Evan Berle