Santa Cruz County names May 21 “Ben Kelly Day” in honor of surfer
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, Calif. (KION) The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors has proclaimed May 21 "Ben Kelly Day" in honor of a surfer killed in a shark attack earlier this month.
May 21 is Kelly's birthday. He was an Orange County native who moved to the Pleasure Point area several years ago. He and his wife started a digital marketing company called Authentic Approach and his love of surfing led to him creating Ben Kelly Surfboards.
Kelly's wife of three years, Katie Kelly, was at the Board of Supervisors meeting and spoke about their time living in Santa Cruz County. The county shared video of her response and a musical tribute.
Ben Kelly was killed when he was attacked by what is believed to be a Great White shark near Sand Dollar Beach on May 9.
Read the proclamation below.
