Familes Of Lompoc Shark Attack Victims Pay Tribute To Loved Ones

Two mothers mourning their children came together Thursday morning at a place where their sons spent their last living moments.

Candace Ransom’s son, Lucas, died on Oct. 22, 2010, after a great white shark attacked him on his first trip to Surf Beach at Vandenberg Air Force Base.

Lucas Ransom was 19. His mother said she “know[s] from his friend who was there by his side that [Lucas] had taken five of the biggest waves.”

Candace Ransom also told KEYT/KCOY/KKFX’s Cory James that Lucas “just couldn’t wait to get out there.”

Ransom said, before leaving, that after seeing the “gorgeous beach” Thursday, she understands why he was so anxious to surf that day.

Francisco Javier Solorio died Oct. 23, 2012, after getting attacked by a great white shark.

Solorio was a devoted father of two and his family, like Luke Ransom’s, is focusing on the life that he lived “through stories and sharing pictures.”

Solorio’s sister, Patricia, said they spend time thinking of good memories and “laughing [to] make sure it’s not a dark grieving” but a celebration of his life.

Before the two families went their separate ways, they each paid their respects to the two men who brought them together by putting down little trinkets and flowers in front of a memorial that they made; then Solorio’s family released balloons with special messages to let Francisco and Lucas know that though they are gone, they will never be forgotten.