The mysterious d3aths of two friends swept out to sea while napping on a beach have taken a new turn
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Mystery deepens over death of two friends swept out to sea while napping on beach as storeowner backs dad’s new claim
A LOCAL business owner who saw a student just hours before she mysteriously drowned at a beach has questioned cops’ claims she was sleeping when tragedy struck.
Harshita Nair, 21, and Mahial Sran, 20, were reportedly caught by a sudden surge of water at Panther Beach in California on June 10.
Harshita Nair was with a friend when she tragically drowned in California last weelCredit: hayward.chapelofthechimes
Mahial Sran was set to earn her degree in public health at San José State University in 2027Credit: Instagram
Authorities initially claimed the pair may have been asleep near a rocky section of shoreline when a large wave swept them into the ocean.
Volunteer fire captain Kyle Breton explained in a public update that officials thought they were near the archway when the incoming water flooded the area and carried them out to sea.
But Harshita’s father, Ahock Nair told the California Post he didn’t believe the pair were sleeping on the sand.
And The U.S. Sun has spoken to local laundromat owner Susan Gonzales-Centoni who said the notion that the girls were sleeping was “mind boggling.”
She had seen San Jose State University student Sran, who was working towards a public health degree, earlier on that fateful day and said she was happy and looking forward to a day out at the beach.
“I remember that day because it was so hot, and they mentioned they were heading to the beach,” Gonzales-Centoni told The U.S. Sun.
“I was joking with her, saying, ‘Everyone’s leaving me behind to go to the beach.’ People were trying to get out of the laundromat as quickly as possible because of the heat.
“When I later saw the news, I was in shock. At first, I couldn’t believe it could be them.
“I’ve been there before, and it can be very dangerous. With the high tides and rough ocean conditions we’ve been having lately, I was surprised to hear suggestions that she may have been sleeping.
“That didn’t sound like her. She always seemed aware of her surroundings.”
Harshita’s father also pointed out that their personal belongings remained dry, saying that if they had truly been lying in the area when the wave arrived, their bags likely would have been soaked or washed away as well.
Susan agreed and added: “I heard that her phone and purse weren’t even wet and were found not far away, which is also hard to understand.
“I don’t know what happened, and none of us may ever know exactly what occurred, but it’s heartbreaking.
“That beach is about an hour from Fremont where my store is. It’s a beautiful drive, but it’s also a place that not everyone knows about unless you’re familiar with the area.
The keyhole at Panther Beach is where the two women became trappedCredit: Alamy Stock Photo
Several swimmers entered the rough water at Panther Beach to try and help the girlsCredit: Alamy Stock Photo
Laundromat owner Susan Gonzales-Centoni knew one of the students and told The U.S. Sun about her heartbreakCredit: Susan Gonzales-Centoni
BrightN’ Clean Laundromat in Fremont was used by Mahial Sran regularlyCredit: Google Maps
“These were two young women who had their whole futures ahead of them. It’s so sad to think they drove there for a good time.”
Investigators said the friends had made their way through a narrow opening in the rocks to reach a more isolated section of Panther Beach, a spot often visited by people seeking privacy.
As ocean conditions intensified, large swells reportedly surged through the passage and blocked the route they had used to access the area.
Michael Horn, a spokesperson for Cal Fire, said water and heavy surf had effectively eliminated their path back along the shoreline.
The emergency unfolded shortly after 5pm when a witness contacted 911.
Multiple rescue agencies responded, launching a large-scale operation in challenging conditions.
Several swimmers entered the rough water in an attempt to reach the two women.
Although both were recovered alive, Harshita later died after being brought ashore. Mahial was transported to a hospital, where she subsequently passed away from her injuries.
The loss has deeply affected the Fremont community, where both students were raised and attended Washington High School, graduating in 2023.
Harshita was pursuing a degree in legal studies at UC Berkeley and was expected to complete her studies next year.
Mahial, meanwhile, was enrolled in public health studies at San José State University and anticipated graduating in 2027.
Mahial’s 17-year-old brother, Aagman, described her as dependable and caring.
He recalled that she consistently stepped up whenever something needed to be done and could always be counted on.
Harshita’s obituary, meanwhile, portrayed her as a beloved family member and friend whose kindness left a lasting impression on those around her.
“These were two young women who had their whole futures ahead of them,” continued Gonzales-Centoni.
“I knew them through the laundromat. It’s a very community-oriented business. I get to know my customers personally—where they go to school, what they’re studying, who they are as people. I think she may have even left me a review once.
“That’s why this hit me so hard. You build relationships with people, and then something like this happens.”
In the aftermath, local officials renewed warnings about hazardous coastal conditions.
Fremont Mayor Raj Salwan urged visitors to remain vigilant around the ocean, emphasizing that sneaker waves, strong currents, and changing tides can develop with little warning and pose serious risks even to experienced beachgoers.
“When I saw them that day, they seemed really happy,” said the laundromat owner. “They were looking forward to their plans. I just can’t believe what happened. She was a wonderful human being.”
cre: https://www.the-sun.com/news/16533922/harshita-nair-mahial-sran-napped-sea-death/
