Today we got a local reminder about life and death.

I was saddened to hear that this morning, 66-year-old retired veterinarian Dave Martin training with the Triathlon Club of San Diego was bitten by a shark, brought to shore by other triathletes, yet died on the beach. This was in Solana Beach off of Fletcher Cove.

There have been many news reports, including NBC San Diego. Apparently, just two days earlier, the San Diego Union Times-Tribuned reported that a shark had been sighted to the south near Point Loma.

I realize it could just as well have been me. Many times I’ve been swimming in those waters – Fletcher Cove in Solana Beach – as well as many nearby beaches, from Imperial Beach to Oceanside. I’ve finished more than one triathlon there, too.

The reports are that fatalities from sharks are very rare. It gives me pause, even though I know an accident is more likely in a car or automobile.

This notice came out to members of the TCSD – Triathlon Club of San Diego.

Hello all, It is with a heavy heart that I am sending out this email about Dave Martin. This morning during the group swim at Fletcher Cove, Dave Martin was the victim of a shark encounter.

Fortunately he was with a group of friends living life to the fullest and while his fellow swimmers did everything they could to help, his wounds were to[o] severe.

He is survived by four adult children whom our thoughts, blessings and prayers are with!! Those who were with Dave, please know that your actions were nothing short of heroic!!! In what had to be a test many people would fail, you showed courage and the best of the human spirit for your friend. I hope your lives are filled with many blessings!!! !

Tonight the tri club will be hosting a get together at BnL, thank you Scott, from about 6:00 until….. This is an open invitation to come have a slice of pizza, take a walk to the cove if you would like and be amongst your friends to show support for Dave’s family, our community and each other.

Goodbye Dave!!!

If you don’t already know, B&L Bike & Sports store is in Solana Beach on the Coast Highway.

Enjoy living while you’re alive!

This from John Donne in 1623, For Whom the Bell Tolls:

“No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friend’s or of thine own were: any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.”