Ok, my story about what I thought happened is completely wrong by what is getting reported in the paper now. Most of my key points were what had been reported by the paper and I assumed they were correct.
The beach does not usually have terrain violent enough to roll a pickup (with the exception of the dunes which are off limits because of the fragile vegetation) at normal speeds. The maximum allowed speed is 25 mph and must be reduced to 15 when within 100 feet of another vehicle. Considering the number of people who drive their pickups on the beach without rolling them, it just seemed unlikely that he would roll (what I would assume is) a much more stable hummer going at normal (up to to 35) speeds. I couldn't find anything online that mentioned how often vehicles overturn while on the beach. I'm sure the rangers have some stories to tell, but I didn't find them.
I also assumed that they both made it out of the surf, which would have gave some credence to your hope that the rangers could have saved them. Assuming they rolled at the waters edge and they were unable to get out of the surf and onto the sand, I would also assume that it is pretty unlikely that the rangers could have gotten there on time even if they had gone straight to them. Although they did perish from hypothermia and not drowning according to the current reports) so maybe there was hope.
Now, the map that someone posted showed the gps point as being quite a ways out in the water. I initially assumed that both the coordinates and the map were slightly off and that the accident occurred on the waters edge. However, if they were driving in the ocean (albeit a shallow section), that would also account for the sudden terrain change that could roll a hummer without Adam being able to see and avoid it. After the accident, one or both climbed on top of the vehicle to get out of the water and that is when OnStar got the call. And that is where they stayed waiting for help until the tide rose.
But I just can't imagine anyone being so stupid as to drive their hummer in salt water (which is going to get into every crevice to rot out the metal) and to drive so far out into the OCEAN with it as to be afraid or unable to get back to shore on their own. Just boggles my sick mind. I am honestly open to someone giving a reasonable explanation of how this accident could have occurred without Adam being overly reckless and foolhardy.
Maybe there was a gut cut by a recent storm that rolled the hummer at the waters edge...but they still should have been able to get to the beach and out of the surf.
Regardless of the cause, no one has suggested that someone else did anything that caused the accident. Assuming they weren't attacked by a herd of killer ponies that caused the hummer to roll, the driver of the hummer is the only person responsible for their deaths. Everyone here wants to treat Adam as some kind of saint after his actions caused his own death, but want to belittle the rangers who responded and tried to rescue them (and they didn't have my attitude about humorons).
Despite what others have claimed, the park rangers duties are:
http://www.nps.gov/asis/orv.htm
National Park Service staff can:
•Assist with removing sand from around the tires
•Deflate tires
•Use traction devices such as boards
•Make a phone call on your behalf to friends/family
•Provide information regarding local towing services
National Park Service staff cannot:
•Winch or pull the vehicles out
•Recommend a towing company
Yes, a distress call in the winter is much more important than someone just stuck in the sand in the middle of summer, but overall you are on your own to get yourself out of any jam you get into. Many 4-wheelers have demonstrated that when driving with some sense, the beach can be a fun and safe activity. Act stupid and all bets are off.