The woman found deceased in the water near San Diego's Ocean Beach Pier on June 18 has been identified as 34-year-old Summer Nash, a former collegiate volleyball star and coach. The San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed her identity and stated that lifeguards recovered her body at the scene. The manner of her death is currently under investigation.
Nash was a standout volleyball player at San Diego State University and Florida International University. Following her collegiate career, she transitioned into coaching, holding positions at prominent programs including Florida State and Stanford universities. She last coached for Stanford during the 2022-2023 season.
Deitre Collins, Nash's former head coach at San Diego State, remembered her as an exceptional talent and a cherished individual. "Summer was an exceptional talent on the volleyball court, but what I’ll remember most is the person she was," Collins stated in an Instagram post. "She had a beautiful spirit, a kind heart, and a presence that made those around her better. She was truly a special soul."
Matt Olson, executive director of the WAVE Beach Volleyball club in San Diego, described Nash as a "wonderful coach" and "one of the nicest people I’ve ever met." He recalled her as a physically dominant player known for her powerful hits. Olson also noted Nash's interest in surfing, a sport she had taken up in recent years.
Nash's death occurred as Southern California officials had issued warnings about dangerous surf conditions and towering waves earlier in June. She was known to frequent beaches around San Diego for surfing, according to a statement from someone identifying as her mother.