A Dead Great White Just Washed Ashore In Santa Cruz

Do sharks go to heaven when they die? Well, like us, probably not. Today, on the beach near Pleasure Point in Santa Cruz, an 11-foot juvenile female washed up on the beach. Judging by its wounded, bloodied head and torso, it’s believed to possibly be the victim of a boat propeller. 

Gary Buthman, father of eco-minded, big-wave charging Kyle Buthman, first posted an image of the deceased shark on Instagram. Surf photog to the NorCal stars, Dave “Nelly” Nelson was also on scene to snap a couple photos. 

“Great white shark washed up at 26th Ave and it was pretty big and fat! Only an 11-footer. I’d hate to run into a 20-footer!” wrote Nelly. 

Authorities have reported that at approximately 1:00 a.m. on Friday morning somebody cut the dorsal fin of the shark off. Santa Cruz, being the epicenter of eccentricity that it is, by now somebody’s probably either snorted it or is wearing it as a hat. 

The Department of Fish and Wildlife and marine biologist are currently working to remove the shark from the beach, while the Pelagic Shark Research Foundation and Department of Fish and Wildlife are investigating the death of the Great White. It’s also worth noting, this incident comes a month after a kayaker waltzed with a great white near Steamer Lane, subsequently closing Santa Cruz beaches for almost a week.

To borrow an old Bruce Brown quip, sharks and surfers have yet to truly integrate in Santa Cruz.