COS Family Loss: California Surfer Killed in Shark Attack

When Citizens for Self-Governance created the Convention of States Project, our first hire was general counsel Robert Kelly. He’s been helping us through the complicated legal world of advocacy for years with skill, wisdom, and good humor.  His entire family is a wonderful example of what America ought to be – faithful, modest, and rays of light in a dark world.

This weekend, Robert’s little brother Ben was killed in a shark attack off about 100 yards off Manresa State Beach south of Santa Cruz.  He was 26 years old and leaves behind a wife of two years, Katie.

Ben was with two other surfers on the first day the beach was re-opened due to the epidemic, and he died doing what he loved to do.  Not only did he surf, he owned a local business as a surfboard shaper.  Ben was with two other surfers when he was attacked, and they managed to get him to shore. A person on the beach flagged down the lifeguard, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.  He was the first person to be killed in a shark attack in Northern California since 2004.

Ben and was known to be a person of faith.  Watch this touching news story which includes his friends talking about how he emphasized Jesus in his life and work.

Ben was a ray of Godly light in a world so desperate for hope.  Our prayers and love are with the entire Kelly family.  

Hat Tip: The Today Show