Search Continues For 26-Year-Old Woman Swept Away In River @ Sequoia National Park

The search continues for a 26-year-old woman who was swept away in a cold and swift river in Sequoia National Park over the Memorial Day weekend.

The incident happened on Sunday, May 25th when Jomarie Calasanz was recreating with friends and family near a river in the foothills area of the park. The search for Calasanz has entered its sixth day and with a heat advisory beginning today, park official want to warn visitors that the park’s rivers will be extremely hazardous and swimming or getting too close to the water should be avoided.

“Visitors are cautioned to avoid recreating near the river this time of year, as tempting as it may be with warming temperatures. Most people that drown in the parks never intended to swim or get in the water. Rocks along the edge of the river are slippery, and the water may look deceivingly calm in some areas, but even strong swimmers have been swept away.” -Sequoia National Park

A GoFundMe has been created to help find Jomarie Calasanz. If you would like to contribute please do so here. Read the Sequoia National Park press release below. Our thought are with the victim’s family and friends.

Sequoia National Park Press Release:

Visitors Are Cautioned To Avoid Swimming Or Getting Too Close To Rivers

On May 25th, over the holiday weekend, a 26-year-old woman was swept away in the cold, swift and dangerous river in Sequoia National Park. The incident occurred while recreating with friends and family near the river in the foothills area of the park. The search continues, and with a heat advisory beginning today, rivers will be extremely hazardous, and visitors should avoid swimming or getting too close.  
 
Visitors are cautioned to avoid recreating near the river this time of year, as tempting as it may be with warming temperatures. Most people that drown in the parks never intended to swim or get in the water. Rocks along the edge of the river are slippery, and the water may look deceivingly calm in some areas, but even strong swimmers have been swept away. 
 
Whether it’s crossing a creek on a wilderness hike or wanting to experience a waterfall from a closer spot, we urge everyone to be extremely careful near all waterways. 

• Categories:  
• California
• National Parks