Washington state man dies while surfing in Puerto Rico

Published 12:59 pm Wednesday, February 18, 2015

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — A 28-year-old tourist from North Bend died while surfing along Puerto Rico’s west coast, the U.S. Coast Guard said Wednesday.

Travis Forney had flown to Puerto Rico on Feb. 15, according to his Facebook page. He worked as a construction manager for Huber Architects in Seattle, the company’s president, Kevin Huber, told The Associated Press.

The U.S. Coast Guard said they found Forney face down in the water at Steps Beach in the popular tourist town of Rincon. Forney was found Tuesday afternoon and was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

A high surf advisory was issued Tuesday warning of waves of 12 to 14 feet. The advisory was still in effect on Wednesday.