A local Marine killed in a helicopter crash earlier this year was honored by family and friends at one of his favorite spots on Saturday.
Cpl. Christopher Orlando’s loved ones paddled out at Nantasket Beach in his memory on Saturday. Friends said Orlando loved surfing and paddleboarding and always felt most at home by the water.
"Chris really loved the water," said Orlando’s friend Carly Tillotson. "He grew up surfing here at Nantasket Beach and throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island. His whole life revolved around the water."
Surfers from New England and as far away as Hawaii came to Hull to paddle out into the water. The Coast Guard was also on hand as they dropped flowers into the sea in memory of Orlando.
Orlando and 11 other Marines were killed in January when two military helicopters collided off the coast of Hawaii during a training exercise. Orlando, a Hingham native, was 23 years old. A formal memorial service for Orlando was held Friday at St. Paul’s Church in Hingham.
Christopher Boyland said Orlando taught him how to surf.
"He’s the reason I’m here right now," said Boyland. "He loved surfing, he really loved the water."
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