Jason Carter: Hawaiian surfer, 39, succumbs to injuries sustained in a 'shark encounter' near Paia Bay

MAUI, HAWAII: A popular Hawaiian surfer has succumbed to injuries following a fatal 'shark encounter' off the coast of Maui, authorities said, according to the New York Post. The man has been identified as Jason Carter, 39, who hailed from the seaside community of Haiku. 

Officers arrived at the scene around 11.19 am on Saturday, December 30, while lifeguards were carrying the man on a jet ski to shore. "Once onshore, life-saving measures were performed by first responder personnel until medic personnel arrived to transport the male to the Maui Memorial Medical Center for further treatment," the Maui Police Department said in a statement. 

“The preliminary investigation reveals no signs of foul play; an autopsy has been scheduled,” police said, adding that the investigation is ongoing, and an autopsy is pending.

MPD extended their condolences to Jason Carter's family and friends

Authorities did not characterize the incident as an attack and did not describe the severity of Carter's wounds, but the MPD extended their condolences to the man's family and friends. The surfer was fatally injured near Paia Bay, a stretch of sandy beach popular with bodyboarders and surfers. 

Warning signs were posted a mile in either direction from the scene following the incident. Officials announced that nearby Baldwin Beach Park and Baby Beach would be closed on Saturday, December 30.

According to the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Carter was in the water during 'mixed' water conditions resulting from high surf. "By noon on Sunday, December 31, if no further signs of shark activity are detected, signs will be taken down," the department said in a Facebook post.

This is the eighth shark-related incident to occur this year, as per DNLR's shark incident database. It is also the only one to have ended in a fatality. 

Jason Carter formerly worked at ski lodges across Oregon

Carter's Facebook profile is full of photos of beach sunsets and the young man coasting down snowy slopes. According to his profile, the 39-year-old worked several seasons at ski resorts in Oregon and Colorado before moving to Hawaii. Friends took to social media to fondly recall the man they knew as Jay.

"Love you Brother. You are a legend and so loved. We will continue to shred down here and know you will too. RIP," one man wrote. "Oh man. Another amazing friend and an amazing person gone," wrote remarked. "Rest easy my friend." 

Another friend wrote that his smile would "always be in my head," adding, "Thanks for everything."