Tragic Fall Claims Life of Mendocino Man at Portuguese Beach

In Mendocino county, a tragic incident yesterday afternoon claimed the life of 65-year-old Douglas Craig Shapiro of the village of Mendocino. Mr Shapiro appears to have fallen onto Portuguese Beach from the cliffs above. The Mendocino Volunteer Fire Department responded to a call from a citizen who reported a motionless subject on the beach below the steep coastal cliffs around 3:40 yesterday afternoon The fire department’s water-rescue team transported Shapiro via jet-ski to Big River Beach, where an off-duty Emergency Room Physician pronounced his death at 4:32 P.M. Although The official cause and manner of death will be determined by a Forensic Pathologist in the coming months, Based on evidence at the scene and statements of everyone interviewed during this investigation the MCSO says it has ruled out foul play.

Anyone who may have seen Mr Shapiro before his fall is requested to contact the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center at 707-463-4086.