Close To 1,000 Honor Lifeguard Who Died 2 Years Ago As Memorial Statue Is Unveiled

NEWPORT BEACH (CBSLA.com) — A sea of about 1,000 people attended the unveiling of a statue Wednesday in memory of a lifeguard who died exactly two years ago.

The nine-foot stainless steel is now a permanent fixture overlooking the waters in Newport Beach where Ben Carlson died.

His actions to save a life that day are now a standing legacy.

"I feel completely honored that this is happening," said Chris Carlson, Ben's dad, who explains that it's not just about the monument, but about community.

"It's just the way they love our family. The way they support us. It's just fantastic," he said.

"Our family is blown away. We're blown away," said Ben's sister, Stephanie Janz. "And for Ben to stand here and watch over these waters is just the biggest blessing to us."

Ben's friends came up with the idea just days after the accident and his brother-in-law sculpted the statue.

"More than anything, it's just a great symbol of Ben's heroism and it's a sign of respect to ocean lifeguards everywhere," said Jake Janz, who sculpted the statue.

Even strangers came out to pay their respects and donate their money to his foundation.

"You know they are always there and they are always watching you and, as Ben did, they are there to save you," said 11-year-old Morgan Escobedo, a junior lifeguard.

Private donations funded the memorial statue, which is just steps away from the lifeguard headquarters named after Ben last year.