Surfer dies in Irene's waves at New Smyrna Beach

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- A surfer has died off the central Florida coast when he was tossed off his board by massive waves caused by Hurricane Irene.

Volusia County Beach Patrol spokeswoman Tamra Marris said the 55-year-old man was pronounced dead about noon Saturday, shortly after he was pulled from the water at New Smyrna Beach.

She said the surfer suffered a large head cut after witnesses said he was thrown over a wave and possibly hit the ocean floor. She said it is unclear if he drowned or died from injuries. His name has not been released because his relatives have not been notified.

Lifeguards were reporting waves of up to 7 feet in that area and 10 feet in others.

The death was first reported by The Daytona Beach News-Journal.

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