The body of a 5-year-old girl who was swept into the water by a massive wave in Laguna Beach has been recovered.
The victim, identified as Amada Mia Brown of San Bernardino, was found during searches of the coastline on Thursday.
The body of a 5-year-old girl who was swept into the water by a rogue wave in Laguna Beach has been located. Mindy Schauer/The Orange County Register via AP
The city said an aerial search by the Laguna Beach Police Department on Thursday led to the discovery. Mindy Schauer/The Orange County Register via APRescue officials had called off the search Wednesday night, after the girl was swept into the water a day earlier along with her mother and a sibling.
The mother and a sibling were rescued by bystanders, but the Brown was pulled out to sea as rescuers frantically searched for the little girl.
The city said an aerial search by the Laguna Beach Police Department on Thursday led to the discovery.
“The sighting occurred 250 to 300 yards offshore of Christmas Cove, which is located approximately one-quarter mile north of the area where the victim was initially swept into the ocean,” the city said in a statement.
Footage obtained by The California Post showed the frantic search for the young girl Tuesday night as officials used high-powered flash lights from the shore and cliffside. Obtained by CA Post“Laguna Beach Marine Safety personnel responded to the location and recovered the decedent with assistance from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Harbor Patrol.”
The US Coast Guard announced on Wednesday night that it had suspended its search.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the child’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” Capt. Stacey Crecy, commander of Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach, said in a statement.
“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,” Crecy continued.
Footage obtained by The California Post showed the frantic search for the young girl Tuesday night. Obtained by CA PostFootage obtained by The California Post showed the frantic search for the young girl Tuesday night as officials used high-powered flash lights from the shore and cliffside.






