Services planned for Perris HS alumnus attacked by shark

An ocean tribute and memorial service are planned later this week for a 19-year-old Romoland man killed in a shark attack while surfing in the waters around Vandenberg Air Force Base in Santa Barbara County.

Lucas McKaine Ransom died Friday after suffering catastrophic injuries inflicted by a large shark, possibly a great white.

The former Perris High School competitive swimmer, who was majoring in chemical engineering at UC Santa Barbara, was with friends at Surf Beach, body-boarding near shore, when he was attacked.

On Wednesday, a viewing, rosary and funeral Mass for Ransom will be held at St. James Catholic Church in Perris, at 269 W. 3rd St. The service begins at 5 p.m.

At 10 a.m. Thursday, a memorial service is scheduled at Evans Brown Mortuary in Perris, at 385 W. 4th St. Friends and family also plan to gather at 4:30 p.m. that day at the main pier in Oceanside for a tribute, during which mourners will paddle out in surfboards and other craft to spread flowers in Ransom’s honor.

The young man’s close friend, Matthew Garcia, said the attack Friday lasted a few seconds, and that Ransom had no warning that he was in danger.

The victim’s left leg was severed, causing massive blood loss. He died on the beach.

Ransom was a star swimmer for the Perris High School Panthers swim team, qualifying in the California Interscholastic Federation swim finals in the 50- yard and 100-yard freestyle and the 100-yard breaststroke during his senior year.

In 2007, he was recognized by the Murrieta city officials for saving a drowning boy at a pool.