On 19 January 1985, Nolan Harbar died in his attempt to save a friend from drowning in the Pacific Ocean. Mr. Harbar's friend was standing on exposed rocks when a wave washed him into the frigid waters of Juan de Fuca Strait. Disregarding the danger to himself, Mr. Harbar leaped in after him and despite the frigid water and a strong tidal current, managed to grasp the non-swimmer. He began towing him to shore but, exhausted, was unable to fight the powerful surf and violent undertow. Both disappeared beneath the surface and drowned.