"Sneaker waves" blamed for deaths of Calif. family

From left to right: Mary Elena Scott, Gregory James Kuljian, Olivia Kuljian and Howard Gregory Kuljian. Mary and Howard drowned Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012, while Gregory - who was also swept away by waves - has not been found and is presumed dead. / CBS News/Personal Photo

SAN FRANCISCO Howard Kuljian and his family were out for a walk on a damp, overcast morning at Big Lagoon beach, playing fetch with their dog Fran as 10-foot surf churned the water just feet away, like a washing machine.

Signs near the beach warned of "sneaker waves," the kind that suddenly roar ashore.

Kuljian tossed a stick that took the dog down to the water's edge, and in an instant, authorities said, a wave swallowed it, setting off a nightmarish scramble.

"Everything kind of snowballed from there," said Coast Guard Lt. Bernie Garrigan.

Kuljian's 16-year-old son, Gregory, ran to save the dog, only to be captured by the surging surf himself. Kuljian, 54, followed, and then his wife, Mary Scott, 57. On shore, their 18-year-old daughter, Olivia, and Gregory's girlfriend could only watch.

Both parents' bodies were later recovered, but the boy — presumed dead — is still missing.

The dog eventually made it back to shore.

• Family swept out to sea in Calif. trying to save dog in high surf

News of Saturday's tragedy shocked many in the small college town of Arcata on the rough Northern California coastline about 280 miles north of San Francisco.

Students at Gregory's high school wore green in his memory Monday.

By late afternoon, more than 1,300 people "liked" a Facebook page set up by the teenager's friends called "Wear Green for Geddie" — using his nickname. Dozens tweeted tributes with the hashtag #WearGreenForGeddie.

"I will always remember him no matter how long," wrote Emmalaya Owen on the Facebook page. "Especially how he was such an upbeat happy person or how he tried to put up 'Be Happy' propaganda posters he drew around school."

Others were trying to come to terms with the deaths. His sister graduated last year.

"He was just a friendly guy, and everyone who knew him liked him, and his family was very close," said Day Robins, a high school senior. She said Gregory and his family were active in school athletics and sailing.

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[prinz3ss]

whether it was their fault or not, it's still a very sad story. And yes, I do think they acted rather rash and without thinking.

[bitsysmom]

My heart breaks for Miss Olivia. She lost her entire family in the blink of an eye. God be with you young lady.

[touria55]

This is not the first time this has happened and the dog survived. Never endanger yours' or any other human life for the life of a dog.
The dog will be ok.

[mjvwsr]

I'm sure the California Legislature will act quicky to outlaw "Sneaker Waves."

[lollyikens]

For the love of a dog a tragic loss of lives. Condolences to the family.

This is such a sad story cannot even begin to imagine the heartache.

[FormerUSMCSergeant]

Too bad they underestimated the dog.....

[caljack430]

And this is why I am terrfied of the ocean.

[thetruthwillout]

Knowing about the "sneaker waves," why did the father throw the stick so close to the shore line? Also, the father should have stopped the boy from going in after the dog. I can understand the father going in after the son, but the son should never have gone after the dog. And, per usual, the dog survived, none the wiser that his masters are gone forever. Very sad.

[displeased2]

Decisions are so easy in hindsight. But, to add to your questions, the son went in after the dog and made it back. Perhaps the father should not have gone in after the son. They all would still be alive if he hadn't.

[nomoreniceguy]

I'm sorry, it's sad but they are candidates for the Darwin award.

[displeased2]

Who exactly is the candidate? The parents for going in to try and save their son? Or the teenager, whose brain development is in a stage that leaves his cognitive abilities influenced by his environment and prone to impulsive behavior?

[bbarnes5557]

always think before taking action...an outcoome such as this could be avoided..