Community remembers skater and surfer Hunter Schwirtz
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More than 350 people gathered on Saturday afternoon to pay respect and celebrate the life of 19-year-old Lagunan Hunter Schwirtz at the beach end of Oak Street on the overlook deck.
The overflow crowd spilled onto Gaviota Drive while they listened to speeches, remembrances and anecdotes about Schwirtz, who died Sept. 26.
The event drew community members, neighbors, friends and extended family from the skate and surf communities throughout Laguna Beach, where Schwirtz was a prominent contributor.
One of Schwirtz’ good friends Chance Gaul grew up skateboarding and surfing with Schwirtz in competitive downhill events, as well as surfing at Brooks Street. He said Schwirtz had a positive impact on everyone he encountered and was loved by many.
“He made me the man I am today,” Gaul said in an email. “He is the best big brother ever.”
Following the service, a traditional paddleout took place at Brooks Street, where Schwirtz lived and surfed. Folks paddled out to “second reef” on everything from high-performance surfboards to boogie boards to pay their respects on the water.
— Alicia Lopez
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