A 5-year-old girl’s father tragically drowned on Friday while attempting to save her from the ocean at Garrapata State Beach near Highway 1 in California.
According to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, massive waves estimated at 15 to 20 feet swept the young girl into the ocean. These powerful waves are being driven ashore by a strong storm system off the California coast, which is also delivering heavy rain and triggering flash flood warnings, as reported by FOX Weather.
An off-duty State Parks peace officer and lifeguard spotted the family in distress. The father bravely attempted to save his daughter, but both were swept away while he desperately held onto her hand. The mother, who remained on the shore, reached out for them but was also pulled into the surging water. Fortunately, she was able to fight her way back to the beach, according to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.
The officer managed to reach the father, dragged him to shore, and immediately began administering CPR. Both parents were transported to a nearby hospital, where the father was pronounced dead.
This tragic incident marks the first fatality attributed to the storm system along the California coast, according to FOX Weather. The mother is currently in stable condition and is being treated for hypothermia.
Meanwhile, the 5-year-old daughter remains missing. She was last seen wearing a red shirt when swept away. Search efforts are ongoing as authorities continue to look for her.
Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time.
https://dailycaller.com/2025/11/15/one-dead-5-year-old-missing-california-family-ocean/