California Man Drowns After Rescuing Niece During Storm
VENTURA, Calif. — A man drowned Tuesday while rescuing his 4-year-old grandniece who was knocked off a jetty and into the ocean by a big wave, authorities said.
Rough surf was rolling ashore ahead of a Pacific storm approaching Southern California. The girl and her mother were watching big waves when the child was swept away, said Ventura County fire Capt. Barry Parker.
Timothy Barry, 54, jumped into the water off Pierpont Beach about 11 a.m. after hearing the girl's mother screaming for help, Parker said.
Barry reached the girl and kept her head above water until a surfer arrived and brought her to safety, Parker said. Lifeguards found Barry floating face down by the time they arrived....