Husband Recounts Wife's Final Words After Deadly California Wave Incident
A romantic sunrise viewing turned tragic when a powerful wave swept Kaylee Molina and Roberto Clemente into the ocean, with only Clemente surviving.
Roberto Clemente has shared the heartbreaking last words of his wife, Kaylee Molina, who was swept away by a powerful wave while they were watching the sunrise on a California beach. The couple, visiting Sycamore Cove in Ventura County near Malibu, were sitting on rocks close to the shoreline early Wednesday morning when a strong surf pulled them into the ocean.
Molina, 30, of El Paso, Texas, was unable to swim, and only Clemente, 32, survived the incident. In an interview with the California Post, Clemente recounted Molina's final plea: "Hold my hand."
He described the moment they were engulfed by the water. "She tells me, 'hold my hand, hold my hand,' so we’re trying to hold each other’s hands, and before I know it, we’re separated," a visibly distressed Clemente said, crying. He stated that both were pulled under, but he managed to fight his way to the surface. He recalled seeing his wife's body face down with her hair floating.
Clemente attempted CPR on Molina but was too exhausted. He then screamed for help and called 911. Emergency responders arrived at 11:40 a.m. and attempted life-saving measures, but Molina was pronounced dead at the scene.
"My heart is completely shattered, and I’m still struggling to process that she’s no longer here with us," Clemente wrote in an emotional Facebook post. He expressed regret, wishing he had been smarter and had not gone to the beach. The couple had visited the same beach the day before, enjoying their romantic getaway.
A GoFundMe page has been created by Molina's relatives to help with expenses. Clemente thanked those who have reached out and offered support during this "heartbreaking time."