Santa Cruz Great White Shark died from infection attacking nervous system

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KGO) -- Experts say the dead Great White Shark that beached in Santa Cruz Friday was infected by an unknown pathogen that was attacking the shark's nervous system.

RELATED: Good Samaritans try to help stranded great white shark

The distressed young adult male became stranded in the shallow water off Pleasure Point, a popular surfing spot between Santa Cruz and Capitola.

Several people tried to get it back into the ocean, but it kept washing back on shore.

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