Body of 5-year-old girl swept to sea at California’s Laguna beach recovered

LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA: Authorities have recovered the body of Amada Mia Brown, a 5-year-old girl from San Bernardino who was swept into the ocean at Laguna Beach on Tuesday, 9 June.

The discovery was made on Thursday, June 11, morning following an intensive, multi-agency search operation along the Southern California coastline.

Body of missing girl found

The search for the young victim concluded when police conducted an early-morning aerial survey.

During the flyover, officials spotted the child approximately 250 to 300 yards offshore near Christmas Cove, a location about a quarter-mile north of where she had been swept away.

Laguna Beach Marine Safety personnel, working in coordination with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Harbor Patrol, successfully recovered the girl from the water.

Following the recovery, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department coroner identified the child, and her family had been formally notified about the conclusion to the search. 

The Coast Guard subsequently suspended their operations after more than 30 hours of searching, having covered an area spanning over 90 square miles.

Family swept away by dangerous wave

The incident occurred on Tuesday evening at around 7.30 pm as the young girl, her mother, and her sibling were near the water’s edge.

They were suddenly struck by powerful waves and swept into the ocean during a period of intense, elevated surf.

While the mother and one of the children were rescued by bystanders who entered the turbulent water to assist, the 5-year-old was unfortunately lost to the rough surf.

At the time, conditions were treacherous, with swells reaching up to 9 feet and persistent rip currents affecting much of the region.

Beachgoers warned hours before tragedy

The city had issued clear warnings regarding the dangerous surf hours before the tragedy took place.

A public alert posted to Instagram cautioned that “strong rip currents can quickly pull swimmers away from shore, and large surf creates hazardous conditions for swimmers, surfers, and anyone near the water’s edge.”

Following the recovery, Capt Stacey Crecy, commander of Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach, issued a statement extending sympathy to the grieving family, “Our deepest condolences go out to the child’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”

Regarding the extensive rescue effort, Crecy noted, “Suspending a search is an extremely difficult decision. We launched assets and responded as quickly as possible, continuously searching throughout the night and until sunset on June 10, 2026. We worked hand-in-hand with first responders in Laguna Beach to carry out a coordinated and thorough search of the area.”