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# Surfer’s life went adrift
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/surfers-life-went-adrift/
- Published: 2007-01-01T16:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T23:34:10.000Z
- Author: Kevin Herrera
- Tags: Sports, Ocean Park, #archive-import

*Longtime Santa Monican’s life recalled by loved ones after puzzling demise*

OCEAN PARK — He was a gifted baseball player and surfer, a loyal friend and a pleasant presence in the Southside of Santa Monica who would always greet those he knew with a wide smile and a warm embrace.

So when Martin Schmidt died in an apparent attempt to flee from police last week, it sent shockwaves across his lifelong hometown.

What family and friends of Schmidt want people to remember about the charismatic 33-year-old was the Santa Monican’s kindness and willingness to put others first, especially his baby girl Hana and the love of his life, Jessica Slaten.

“He was a special individual, a great inspiration who was so headstrong and determined. He was the only one of all of us guys who went on to college,” said boyhood friend Cyrus Pickering, who joined more than 50 others Saturday morning for a “paddle out,” a tradition amongst avid surfers in which they grab their boards, paddle out into the surf, form a circle and pay tribute to a loved one lost.

“Martin was a great person,” Pickering added.“He was so full of life. He was so proud of his daughter, so supportive of his friends. He was just always a constant, positive inspiration in my life... I never saw him depressed. If he was, he sure as hell hid it real well.

“I can’t believe that he’s gone. We expect him to come walking around the corner with that big smile.”

Schmidt died on Dec. 26 after jumping from a third-floor window in what police believe was a desperate attempt to avoid being arrested for the attempted robbery of a market near his mother’s home.

Police said Schmidt was in a back bedroom of a third-floor apartment when they ordered him to surrender. That’s when Schmidt inexplicably leaped from a window, suffering major injuries from the fall. He was treated at the scene by paramedics and transported to a local hospital, where he later died as a result of his injuries.

Those who knew Schmidt are not sure why he jumped. Schmidt, who was involved in real estate, had recently took control over his mother’s bills after she became ill and may have had financial troubles as the housing market cooled.

“It’s tragic,” said childhood friend Ramon Armendariz, Jr., who played with Schmidt in Little League when their team won the World Series in 1984.“When I heard about his death, I knew that it wasn’t him. I mean, that wasn’t the man I knew... It’s hard to believe that he won’t be around anymore.”

Schmidt was born in Germany, but lived in Santa Monica on Fourth Street near Ashland Avenue for most of his life — “a true southsider,” according to friends. He was known in the neighborhood as “Q-Tip” because of his bright yellow hair.

“He was one of the most beautiful people you could ever meet,” said Joe Felix, who learned to surf with Schmidt near lifeguard station 26, where Saturday’s paddle out was held. “He was a strong-headed Leo, always determined and always supportive of his friends.”

> “HE WAS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE YOU COULD EVER MEET.” — Joe Felix Childhood friend

Schmidt secured a baseball scholarship to Crossroads High School before going on to San Francisco State, where he earned a degree in business. He subsequently returned to Santa Monica to take care of his mother, Stephanie.

Gathered in a circle around a picture of him that was bedecked with flowers and candles, those who knew Schmidt best shared stories and bid farewell.

“He was my best friend... (and) a nurturing father,” said Slaten, as she held the couple’s daughter.“His heart was filled with love... I will love him forever.”

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on January 1, 2007.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/010107.pdf?ref=smdp.com)