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Revered surfer dies in big waves
Peter Davi brought in from 200 yards out

By LAITH AGHA
Herald Staff Writer
Article Last Updated: 12/05/2007 01:27:52 AM PST

(VERN FISHER/The Herald)«123» Peter Davi, a well-known figure in the local surf community, died Tuesday while surfing Ghost Trees, a big-wave surf site near Pebble Beach's Stillwater Cove. The Monterey fisherman was 45.
The cause of death has not been determined, said sheriff's deputy Scott Ragan.

After riding a wave, Davi was seen paddling on his board, Ragan said. Moments later, friends saw him in the water — the leash that had attached the board to his ankle had snapped. Davi disappeared for an unknown time before being seen floating face down and unconscious about 200 yards from shore.

Anthony Ruffo, Davi's friend who towed him to the surf spot by a personal watercraft, pulled him to shore near the Stillwater Cove pier, witnesses said.

Paramedics attempted to resuscitate Davi for about 30 minutes before he was pronounced dead about 1:30 p.m., Ragan said.

Davi leaves a 19-year-old son, Jacob, who lives in Hawaii. He was the cousin of brothers Anthony, John and Sebastian Davi, each of whom runs his own real estate business in Monterey.

"What a wonderful man he was," said John Davi. "He was built like a brick. He was just a great, gentle giant." (more in link, including photos)

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