Body of girl swept into ocean in Laguna Beach found near Christmas Cove
Orange County Register • • nation
Key Points:
- The body of 5-year-old Amada Mia Brown, who was swept into the ocean in Laguna Beach on June 9, was found near Christmas Cove on June 11, about a quarter-mile north of where she went missing.
- The Orange County Sheriff’s Department confirmed the identification and notified the family, ending a search-and-rescue operation that involved lifeguards, harbor patrol, the Coast Guard, and drones.
- Amada was with her mother and sibling when strong rip currents swept her into the ocean; two bystanders rescued the mother and sibling, but Amada was reported missing around 7:30 p.m. that evening.
- The search faced challenging conditions including large surf, powerful currents, and limited underwater visibility, with responders working for 24 hours before calling off the search on June 10.
- Laguna Beach Mayor Mark Orgill expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss, noting the incident as one of the most heartbreaking in his community service.