California Mother Dies After Heart Attack During Rogue Wave Rescue

A California mother walked off into the unknown when a rogue wave dragged her down. Teresa Tran, 49, was out with her best friends at Aliso Beach in Laguna Beach on Saturday, August 15. The day started peaceful enough. Then the ocean changed its mind. Rough surf knocked them from their feet and pulled them into the water without warning.

Tran ended up unconscious and barely breathing after a heart attack hit her while she fought to stay above the waves. Her daughter Amanda Trinh told CBS Los Angeles that her mother's final thought was simply, I need to keep trying. She wanted to fight, but she kept swallowing too much water until she gave up completely.

Lifeguards dragged Tran from the surf with only a faint pulse left in her body. They searched desperately for any sign of life before an emergency helicopter landed right on Aliso Beach and airlifted her away. Her friends made it to safety, but Tran needed every ounce of help available.

Witnesses watched as the women struggled against the current while lifeguards raced into the water. By the time rescuers reached the 49-year-old, she was unresponsive. They pulled her onto the sand and flipped her over. That moment allowed her to vomit all the water out and finally regain consciousness after a terrifying ordeal.

The helicopter landed directly on the sands before Tran was loaded aboard for transport to Mission Hospital. Doctors kept her under close observation following the near-drowning and cardiac emergency. Her daughter wrote on a GoFundMe page that by the grace of God and the incredible lifeguards, first responders, and medical teams who fought to save her, she survived.

This fundraiser covers expenses stemming from the emergency, including the helicopter evacuation and hospital treatment that will not be covered entirely by insurance. Tran was taken to Mission Hospital where doctors monitored her closely after the near-drowning incident. Her daughter said her mother has been left horrified by the ordeal and is unlikely to venture near a body of water anytime soon.

This has been a frightening and unexpected experience for our family, Trinh wrote.

Tran walked out the door after weeks in custody, now resting and healing right here at home. Her mother survives thanks to timely medical attention that kept her breathing steady. Trinh told CBS News with trembling voice how shaken she remains by what happened near the water. The family says they are deeply grateful their mom is alive and getting proper care today. She stares away from any lake or river for a long time, Trinh explained plainly. No one wants to see fear in her eyes again after such a terrifying moment.