A search for a 26-year-old Los Angeles woman swept away by fast-moving water in Sequoia National Park over Memorial Day weekend has been scaled back as river conditions remain too hazardous for rescue teams to enter.
Jomarie Calasanz was last seen near the Paradise Creek Bridge along the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River in the park’s foothills. Officials said she was with friends and family when she was caught in the cold, powerful current.
After nine days of intensive searching by multiple agencies, National Park Service officials said crews have transitioned to “limited continuous mode,” assigning fewer resources while continuing to monitor the river.
Officials believe Calasanz could still be within park boundaries but said current conditions make it unsafe for divers to conduct an underwater search.
Search efforts have included ground crews, canines, underwater cameras, helicopters and drones.
“We are thankful for the dedicated aid of our neighboring agencies and for all of the people who have been involved in the search for Jomarie,” NPS officials said.
Park officials continue to urge visitors to stay out of the river and away from its banks, warning that runoff from melting snowpack has made the water both frigid and deceptively fast-moving. Even calm-looking sections can overpower experienced swimmers, and wet rocks near the river’s edge are extremely slick.
Public notices remain posted in the area, and teams plan to reassess their options once the water level drops, likely in the coming weeks.
Anyone with information or possible sightings is asked to contact Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Dispatch at 888-677-2746.
The Calasanz family has announced the death of their loved one, and is asking for donations through GoFundMe to help pay for the cost of recovery efforts and memorial expenses.