On November 24, 2012, 16-year-old Gregory James Kuljian went missing after entering the surf at Big Lagoon County Park in Humboldt County, California. He had been at the beach with his family and girlfriend when a rogue wave pulled the family dog, Fran, into the ocean. Gregory and his father, Howard Kuljian, entered the water to rescue the dog and were swept into the surf from calf-deep water. Gregory’s mother, Mary Scott, also attempted a rescue and was pulled in; their daughter, Olivia Kuljian, was rescued by a bystander after trying to save her mother. Searchers recovered Mary’s body from the water and Howard’s body on the beach, but there was no sign of Gregory. He is presumed to have drowned.

Gregory was a junior at Arcata High School and participated in art, sailing, track and cross country; he was interested in aeronautical engineering. A memorial service for Gregory and his parents was held on December 9, 2012, and the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department handled the case.

If anyone was at Big Lagoon County Park that day or has information about Gregory’s disappearance, please share what you know.