California surfer killed in shark attack

39-year-old surfer killed by shark off beach near Vandenberg Air Force Base

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Authorities say a California surfer has been killed by a shark off a beach at coastal Vandenberg Air Force Base.

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department says in a statement that the attack Tuesday morning at Surf Beach killed 39-year-old Francisco Javier Solorio Jr. of Orcutt.

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Solorio's friend witnessed the attack, swam to his aid and pulled him out of the ocean.

The friend started first aid while another surfer called for help, but Solorio was pronounced dead by paramedics at the scene.

The Air Force says the victim was not affiliated with the base.

It is the latest shark attack fatality at Surf Beach. In October 2010, 19-year-old college student Lucas Ransom died when a shark nearly severed his leg as he body-boarded.