Police in California spot body of 5-year-old swept out to sea

The body of a missing child who was swept into the ocean in California on Tuesday was found on Thursday, according to the City of Laguna Beach.

"During an early-morning aerial survey of the coastline on June 11, 2026, the Laguna Beach Police Department identified a possible match to the adolescent female who was swept into the ocean near Treasure Island Beach on June 9, 2026," a press release noted.

"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 release explained. "Laguna Beach Marine Safety personnel responded to the location and recovered the decedent with assistance from the Orange County Sheriff's Department Harbor Patrol."

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A Laguna Beach Park Ranger scans the horizon on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, near where a child was swept out to sea the prior day. (Mindy Schauer/MediaNewsGroup/Orange County Register via Getty Images)

A GoFundMe campaign with a message attributed to the child's family states, in part, "It is with unimaginable heartbreak that we share the passing of our beloved Amada Mia Brown. Amada was only five years old, but she filled every room she entered with joy, laughter, and light. She was a happy, cheerful, and loving little girl whose smile could brighten anyone's day. She was deeply loved by her mother, family, friends, and everyone fortunate enough to know her."

"Our family's lives changed forever following a tragic accident on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, in Laguna Beach. After an extensive search, Amada was found and has now been reunited with her loved ones. While we are grateful to have answers, our hearts are shattered by this devastating loss," another portion of the message declared.

A Wednesday press release noted that "Based on preliminary information, a mother and her two children were swept into the ocean by powerful water [c]onditions while near the shoreline. Bystanders immediately entered the water and successfully rescued the mother and one child."

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A lifeguard rescue boat cruises around the area where a child was swept out to sea near the Montage Resort in Laguna Beach on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. (Mindy Schauer/MediaNewsGroup/Orange County Register via Getty Images)

The child's mother "was doing anything any mother would do, take her children out to have a good time," the little girl's father, Aaron Brown, said in a KABC news report. "Unfortunately, the waves were a little bit too much."

The discovery of the body occurred after search efforts had wound down.

The U.S. Coast Guard noted in a Thursday press release that it had suspended its search on Wednesday evening.

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Lifeguards were kept busy in Laguna Beach on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, as they warned unsuspecting swimmers not to go into the dangerous surf. (Mindy Schauer/MediaNewsGroup/Orange County Register via Getty Images)

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"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. "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."

A Wednesday City of Laguna Beach release noted that "As of sunset on June 10, 2026, Laguna Beach Marine Safety personnel and assisting agencies have concluded the dedicated search and recovery operation for the adolescent female who went missing in the ocean from Treasure Island Beach on the evening of June 9, 2026."