Maximo Macanas was a graduate of Humboldt State University and was a wildlife biologist whose passion for fishing, wildlife and the outdoors shaped his life.
Since childhood, he spent his days in California’s rivers, lakes, coastline and forests. He understood the water and how it moves. He studied fish, plants, wildlife, and could track almost anything.
On January 31, 2026, Maximo tragically lost his life to a sneaker wave while eeling at the Mouth of the Klamath, where the river meets the ocean – a place he had fished a hundred times before.
The Maximo Macanas Water & Wildlife Safety Foundation was created in Max’s memory to carry forward his legacy by promoting awareness, education and risk recognition in natural environments to help prevent future tragedies.