A Brazilian bodyboarder lost his life while surfing Puerto Escondido, in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Rafael Piccoli, a 38-year-old from Florianopolis, was riding big waves at the infamous Playa Zicatela, in Puerto Escondido.
According to local reports, the bodyboarder took off on a 10-foot left-hand wave, got barreled, but was unable to exit it and got pounded.
His body was found later floating at Playa Marinero, 200 yards north of the Mexican Pipeline, apparently taken by a current.
Lifeguards still tried to bring Piccoli back to life but were unable to resuscitate him.
An Unpredictable Beach Break
Judging by the severe injuries to his head and neck, Piccoli may have hit the ocean floor during the wipeout and drowned.
"It's a shame to have lost a brother of the ocean. You passed away doing what you loved most and on a big wave," expressed Edwin Morales, professional photographer and Piccoli's friend.
"I will never forget what you told us - you couldn't sleep because of the anxiety of surfing that swell. Only God knows our destiny."
Puerto Escondido is a ferocious and sometimes unpredictable beach break. When large swells hit the local sandbanks, the spot produces giant, tubular waves which break in extremely shallow water.
It is not yet certain whether the victim was wearing a helmet.
Rafael Piccoli was also a passionate kitesurfer and loved to travel in search of perfect waves.