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Courtesy of NBC News 4 New York
Undated photo of Dylan Smith, who died off Puerto Rico.
The Belle Harbor section of the Rockaways in New York, where so many heroes emerged during Superstorm Sandy, has lost one of them to a tragic surfing death in Puerto Rico.
Friends of 23-year-old Dylan Smith and his family expressed sorrow Monday that someone who saved so many lives during the October storm could lose his own on vacation. A local funeral parlor said funeral arrangements were being made.
The New York City lifeguard was widely praised after the storm for using his surfboard to move several Queens neighbors endangered by high water and a fire to safety.
Smith's body was found floating Sunday morning near his surfboard in waters off Maria's Beach in the western Puerto Rican community of Rincon. The town's beaches attract surfers from across the world.
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Leave a Comment:
Wow. That's F'd up. Just goes to show you how fragile life is; and that there are no guarantees in life. We all think we're going to live for X number of years. The truth is we don't have tomorrow, just today.
Like my grandfather used to say: If it's not your time you will survive no matter what, but if it's your time you die from a slip on a banana peel.
He looks like he was a fun guy to be with. Too bad it didn't last a little longer. When I think of how lucky I am to have made it to 52, all those of my old friends etc who passed young...
As usual, MSN leaves a lot to be desired in their reporting! I'm sure a 10 year old could have handled this article in more depth.. Why did he die and how did he die? This guy was an excellent swimmer and surfer, a Lifeguard, for Pete's sake! I doubt if the died from drowning, but then, how are we to know with this pitiful excuse for a news story!
People are asking how? At the time of the news report the accident was still being investigated. The beaches of Rincon can get really gnarly, these waves are formed by coral/rock formations on the ocean floor, unlike most of the sandy bottom beaches on the East Coast. Maria's Beach is one that can pull you under if you are not careful. This I know because I live there. The surf was big on Monday morning and an accident is an accident, he could have gotten hit with his board or pulled under or had his leash tangle, etc... It was a horrible tragedy that happened to a very brave person, a better citizen than most people walking around today. Once the final report is in then the media will get a hold of cause of death. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that a surfer who dies surfing is usually an accidental death. My heart goes out to the Smith family, RIP Dylan.
Thank you Aqua. So many like seabreezin' get on this site to do one thing and that is to COMPLAIN. For the life of me I do not understand why they even bring the MSN page up. If you hate it so much then stop reading it.
To the Family of Dylan, prayers and condolences. May he reap his reward with his Savior. RIP young man.
Condolences to the family and friends. These tragedies are difficult to understand.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
TiredVoter, as someone who grew up reading and watching concise and in-depth news stories from the likes of Mitchell, Huntley and Brinkley, Morrow, Cronkite, Rather, Mudd and Severeid, yes, I do feel I have a right to complain! I realize that people like you don't have a clue as to how a REAL reporter did his or her job.. Articles like this one simply never appeared, that is because it's a totally unfinished piece, spit out to the public for no other reason then to generate a little interest! If one of the above mentioned reporters would have tried to put this sad, little commentary in their paper or on the airwaves the way it reads now, they would have been thoroughly cussed out and told to go get the FULL story.. The details about what happened and why it happened.. This was their job and they did it well..
But people like you and Aqua, who, by the way, is just guessing about the cause of death and really knows nothing at this time, always settle for so little.. That makes it easy for lazy, inefficient and ineffective reporters to do a half-a$$ed job exactly like this one.. Most Americans, like you, expect to get nothing and so you don't, but, thank goodness, there are still some, such as myself who remember people who did their jobs with pride! Not many left like them, thanks to you..
I'm with you, SeabreeIn'. I can't wait to read this stuff each day to see how poorly it's done. When I don't have msmbc to complain about, I like goin' after the waitress at the local diner - not directly to her of course - just annonymously behind her back. All the other idiots propelling vehicles down the road are good targets, too, 'cause they can't hear me. But msnbc is my bread and butter.
Readin' and complainin'. Now that's what I call livin'.
Only the good die young! Rest in Peace friend!
I pray the New Year will bring us better news than 2012 did!
Amen to *THAT*!!, Sally! And that's just (1) all those celebrities passing away left and right (at a faster rate than some other years), (2) Hurricane/Superstorm Sandy (Hey, fellow New Jerseyans, remember when if someone said, "Sandy Hook", he or she meant that penninsula on the Jersey Shore that *itself* was hit by its hurricane namesake?), and (3) the Aurora, CO movie-theater shooting. (You thought that THAT invoked memories of a school shooting in another suburb of Denver?)
Seabreezin' - This is what we get when the media is sent to offshore journalists. They troll the 'net for fresh articles. NBCSnooze is the "best" (read WORST) at picking up a story and having a third-world person use their second language to earn a paycheck and rush it to the front page. But the focus of the attention of U.S. citizens is the workers in the "sweat shops" of the garment industry. They ignore the "sweat shops" of the media industry.
People used to use the phrases "around the globe" and "across the nation". I'm guessing this is Sonjay's new form of contractions - combine phrases instead of just words. People are to pressed for time to read an extra word or two. <Meaning the authors - not journalists - are in too much of a hurry to swoop the scoop.>
What a handsome boy, my condolences to his family and loved ones.
Thank you, Thinker! I've wondered for ages now why MSN and the other 'news' networks have such poorly trained and seemingly uncaring reporters! Now I know and it makes perfect since! The reporters and editors we USED to have would never send out the garbage the we see so much of now, they would have been too ashamed! Your explanation says it all, no more REAL American reporters left, just inept and uneducated people trolling the web PRETENDING to be reporters..
But, as sad and kind of tragic as this is, what does it say about Americans who accept this kind of '3rd world' reporting as 'status quo'? When you got people like TiredVoter and Greentimer who are quite contented to take it as it is (or just make stupid and inane comments), I think they are so young they don't realize the difference between what they call reporting the news today and how it was done yesterday.. They are happy if they get a 4-line article with only a 'maybe this happened and maybe it didn't' attitude.. It's called ignorance..
Seabreezin', even tho' you castigate me, I'm still with you and the good ole days, when reporters saw no significance in FDR being unable to walk, or that that he was nigh unto death before he traveled to GA. Give me those hard-hitting reporters who figured the philandering of Ike and JFK were private matters, unrelated to weighty policy matters. No fluff reporting about hundreds of lynchings every year in America, but plenty of hard news about Bonnie and Clyde.
Back in the day, getting your daily news from 22 mins of entertaining talk from Cronkite, Huntley, etal, was hardly the in-depth reporting of any respectable home-town newspaper.
It's real easy to ignore the reporting of the today's Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, the Christian Science Monitor, - or PBS or CSPAN if you prefer TV to reading - and use a strawman like the MSNBC internet site to rail against today's reporting.
We all have our own gold standards by which we measure things.
seabreezin, do you think that you are the ONLY one that grew up watching them? Sorry (buzz) so did I!!
I also understand that the media the way it is now and getting the news out ASAP, that they have to do updates as they get more information. So I do not expect to get it all if it is "breaking" news. Once again, why bring the page up if you already "KNOW" that you are not going to get all of the information PDQ?
No, seabreezin. I actually come back to a site for the (wait for it ) UPDATES. Then I turn on my TV and turn on a station (Fox excepted) and find out more. Wow ..... wonder how I could do that.
Don't be such a snob.
RIP brau. Hope you catch some sweet waves in heaven!
Seabreezin..............very well said indeed. How often I have expressed the same frustration with today's news reporters and those that accept their drivel. Sadly, ignorance is bliss.
Ted,
That was nice. I also feel bad for the guy. My son is exactly the same age and I could not imagine losing him.
What a shame man. RIP dude. You're a hero....
Seabreezin', Dale...
The net is huge. If you want more information, use that "Breeze" of yours and "surf" the web as Dylan most likely would've put it. You'll get what you're looking for..."maybe"...
It also cracks me up (as many already said) that people come on here and complain about the lack if information they give. I did surf the web to see more details and nobody has any.
A resident seen him floating attached to his surf board, swam out and dragged him to shore where a Dr could not revive him. Nobody seen what happened. You can only speculate as in, he caught a huge wave, wiped out and probably hit his head on the surfboard knocking him unconscious and he drowned.
THE END
Creek Dog...........you totally missed the point Seabreezin was making.
Some of this info shoulld have been in the article...........
Some people never will learn. Here is the plain truth exposed! You want to have the kind of money the rich have? Then take a look at how they are doing it. It is very easy and quick. Just Google "HUGE SLICK SECRET" . Go straight to the top result. The last step is to click right on their REFINANCE page. So much cash that will make you sick.
Live by the board, die by the board. He went out doing what we loved.
@Jonathan - I know a few surfers and I will bet you are right. It's not a sport, it's a lifestyle for them. RIP Dylan.
Amen, brother. There's a lot of worse ways to go than doing what you love. My condolences.
Right on, He died doing what he loved. What better way to go? It sucks he died so young, but there are no guarantees.
I surf as well and passing away while surfing would be something meaningfull, dying doing the thing I wait for whenever a swell or cold fronts coming, there aren't many waves in Southern Florida so I can wait weeks for the right time to go. Surfing is the best feeling in the world. Dying doing the one thing you love is much better than dying a different way. Surfing is dangerous, every surfer knows when they go out there, but we still go to have fun, meet people, and catch waves its worth it every time you go. But sadly he passed away.It doesn't matter how when a surfer passes away while surfing there could be many ways they could have died. R.I.P Dylan Condolences to is family
That is just messed up. Condolences to his family.
To say that "messed up" (or its more colorful equivalent) is an understatement is itself just that--an understatement. Condolences to and prayers for his family (and the latter for his soul) and a merry and, above all, blessed Christmas to all.
We need more like him. NOT less very sad.
How many did he save? Comments from them? How did he die? Rocks?
Terrible tragedy. But also terrible reporting. More than a half dozen sentences would have been nice, especially for a hero.
You people and your want for every single detail on the news anymore is truly disheartening.
My condolences to the family and friends during this terrible tragedy.
Mark, I agree that a lot of people do grasp for every detail of a person's death, but there are far too many people, like yourself, who see only a small part of what someone says and grasps onto that without looking at the context. If you read carefully what 54buick said, you would see that he was asking for more details on the man's life and his heroic feat and the man's legacy, This is something I hope people do when I'm gone. Other than that, all he really asked was "how did he die?" A rather simple request. So before you start lumping him in with "you people" read his entire comment.
I'm with Mark. Larry would you rather they hold the story for a day or two until the have fully researched every aspect of his death? The whole point of breaking news is to get it out quick THEN update the news as it comes in.
Some people want to read more than the headlines. So if people want to read articles with any level of detail they need to get away from NBCSnooze. For example, ABC News has articles of this very guy that are 4-5 times the content with photos and videos.
Mark - "Grandmother is a hero because she wiped her ass with used toilet paper." While that may be sufficient for some, most want more details.
Larry, THANKS!!!
That's so sad that such a handsome young hero is no longer here. Condolences to all who suffer his loss... He was truly a great person.
Heroes come in all shapes, sizes and ages.The record for the youngest person to save a life is a child age three, who called 911. Heroes daily walk among us on the sidewalks, and pass us on the roads.Never noticed by anyone until emergencies happen.
Then they appear out of no where, when you least expect them. The common person who steps forward from among the crowd, simply being there when others desperately need a helping hand.
Some how knowing what to do and having the ability to not just do it, but the resources as well. Then task completed and no longer needed, silently moving on. Needing no glory nor attention for the life saving hand they have extended to their fellow being.
Just like this lifeguard did when he helped save lives from the devastation Sandy caused, simply using his surf board. The fact he was handsome and young should not factor in that his death is any more tragic then that of other people who helped and died, but were not young, nor handsome. A hero, is a hero, and each life should be of equal worth, regardless of age or looks. And the deaths of each is equally tragic. If we see those who are handsome and young more tragic then those who aren't, then THAT would be truly tragic and shameful.
It is the heart and soul, the willingness to lay down ones life for another which matters.Why, it could even be you. For none of us knows, until that appointed hour, if we could fill such shoes, and have the courage to be, such a hero.May this wonderful hero, who has lost his life far too soon be at peace, his loved ones be comforted, and the lives he helped save, go on to live full and happy rich ones the remainder of their days.
This guy was a good looking man. What a shame.
It's not about looks at all! Would it be less of a shame if he was not "good looking"?
Come on people!!! The young man was a good man. He helped others when they needed help. Why do we label people a hero when they do a good deed? You will find that people who do these good deeds are humble and simply do what comes natural for good people. Yep, even unattractive people do good deeds!!!
My condolences to the family and friends of this young man.
Fed up vet: "It's not about looks at all! Would it be less of a shame if he was not "good looking"?
I was being a little sarcastic because if this person was a "hot chic" in a bikini, some guy or guys would have labeled her as such and probably would have commented the same way or even have been more sexually explicit. Get it?....
Rip young man,,
Sad
Let us speak quickly of this young man's death and at great length of his life for therein lies the glory of Dylan Smith. Look at this young man's face...hear him talked about by strangers...that's what we need to know about him. His smile...his eyes...show a certain calm and knowing. Tho a stranger to me ..these few things speak much of who this man was. The rest will take care of itself. Wishing his family peace in the coming days.
Well said
right on dude. the guy is happy to be himself, confident, putting off aura of assuredness on spot. could of been my friend, looks like many of mine. will be missed im sure
My prayers go out to his family and friends.
poor guy. however i would say that it's never safe to surf alone. (in a area by yourself where noone else is either in the water or on the shore to see you, not alone when in sight of others mind you) many deaths occur that way. even the best have been killed surfing alone. I saw a top surfer , international competitor float by in california. hit his head and was knocked out, if someone else was there he'd still be with us. still what a waste of a good man.
"surf alone" - The same could be said about any activity. People die while driving alone - nobody there to help. People die whie living alone - nobody there to help. Point is people are going to die in any sort of activity - including sleeping.
A fine young man and we are seeing fewer of this quality in our civilization. Losing many to war or disasters through the years because of their bravery and sense of valor. The gene pool is getting thin as many wives to be are well aware. A mystery in this case, but it is best left to the probability that he was exited early, while doing what he loved to do most, to be with his Maker as has been the case with many good souls.
Life happens! Who knew?
To those who go down to the sea in ships and boats and even boards there is the call to be part of what poets call the infinite. A life long journey to find meaning and fulfillment in the joy of being. It is sad that Dylan's journey was short compared to others. Let us find his joy in living well and now morn only briefly because he is now one with all the universe.
I'm sure he received a Hero's welcome when he took that last ride to his home in Heaven. God be with your family, Dylan.
I like to imagine an obituary comic in the paper, of him surfing the clouds over the Heavenly Gates, and Peter at his desk, waving the "I love you" hand sign at him, both with big smiles on their faces, with the caption, "Surf Heaven!"
Rest In Peace . God and all the Angels Bless you.
Well said PJ.
RIP young hero.
God bless him for all the good he's done on planet earth.
I believe great blessings are in store for him after his life here.
I remember reading articles on you....Rest in peace...there's a bigger job to do in Heaven.....Soul Saving.
The souls in heaven are already saved....
Heaven is the glorious resting place one sees after their work is done.
RIP young hero...and thank you.
Good to see a young Man without nasty tattoos all over his neck and face. God Bless you
good to see you made a negative comment , before you blessed this fine young man. any man who does / did what he has in such a short time here. whether he is tattood or has nose rings.....God truly loved / loves us all when we are non- judgemental and full of love for each other, no matter who we are! look in the mirror before you cast those stones......merry christmas!
It was not a negative comment, its just a fact to me. Merry Christmas to you also.
Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any
marks upon you: I am the LORD.
Leviticus 19:28
Going straight to hell cuz of my oh so proper ladylike pearl earrings, what a Christmas Eve for me.
@ Hardcoffeeat6am
How do YOU know he didn't have any tattoos elsewhere on his body?
Lots of people these days have one.
So hardcoffee, if you were in desperate trouble, and Dylan had tattoos all over his body, you would want him to just pass you by and let you die? Extremely dumb if you ask me.
Will you all please shut the hell up with your infantile bickering.
Rest In Peace Dylan.
Just curious, but doesn't that leviticus crap mean all that circumcised are doomed to hell?
"Interesting" comments. This is my first time posting.
This is a tragedy and as others have said a time to appreciate the good this man has done in his life regardless of his looks or age.
It appears his family raised him well and with compassion for others.
His family and friends may be reading this and it would be very unfortunate for them to see negative comments.
Over the years I have lost 2 family members in tragic accidents - I applaud this journalist for paying a tribute to Dylan that his family and friends can read without the tragic details. Their wounds are fresh. I am sure when the details become available the press will release them...they always do.
I find it interesting that someone (Hardcoffee) uses the artwork from a Chili Peppers album as his/her photo id and has such intolerance for others - including their tattoos! and then throws out quotes from the bible for good measure. If you are a RHCP fan you must not have ever "listened" to their songs. These are good people who have tolerance for others....much of their early music is about love peace and tolerance of others.
Try listening to Under the Bridge a song written about the extreme loss felt after loosing a best friend and band mate (all with tattoos by the way).
Back to Dylans family very sorry for your loss.
He's nasty for a tattoo remark....then you go on wishing he kill himself....
No hypocrisy there, right? Did you write that reply before running out to your Xmas eve service?
Well, I guess that scratches the "love thy neighbor as thyself" part of Luke 10:27, for Hardcoffeeat6am.
On the Final Exam, which is about love of God, neighbor and self, I have no doubt that Dylan Smith will pass, as he risked his life for others:
God wrap your arms around his family in thier time of need, and yes there is one more angel on our side now. he was on earth and is in heaven.......RIP
Sad to say that in the blink of an eye the world will little note nor long remember the good deeds this fine young man performed in the hour of need for the desparate he rescued from the rising waters and the impending fires. But for the moment---he deserves all of the accolades for a hero, and here is hoping and praying that his parents are comforted to some degree by the fact that he was a hero in the face of danger helping those in need. Mayn this fine young man rest in peace.
Those rescues have a ripple effect. He will probably not be forgotten by any of the lives he touched.
What a loss! Such a fine young man! RIP Dylan Smith, you're going to be remembered as the surfer angel!
Hurricane Sandy. (Cat. 1)
Look at his face...He looks like an angel to me. Maybe someone else thought he was so much like one He thought he should just take him home...What a wonderful human being. I am honored to be related thru humanity to this fine young man. And hope to someday meet him. May his family and friends find peace at this unsettling time...and know that HE has had such a wonderful influence on so many!
And that he apparently died doing what he enjoyed the most. What a personal blessing for him! My condolences to his family, and gratitude for their contributions for the good man that he was.
Some people never will learn. Here is the plain truth exposed! You want to have the kind of money the rich have? Then take a look at how they are doing it. It is very easy and quick. Just Google "HUGE SLICK SECRET" . Go straight to the top result. The last step is to click right on their REFINANCE page. So much cash that will make you sick.