The tragic discovery of a missing child, who was carried away by the ocean’s relentless waves off the coast of California, has brought a somber close to an intense search. The child, swept into the waters on Tuesday, was found on Thursday, as confirmed by officials from the City of Laguna Beach.
In a statement released by the Laguna Beach Police Department, it was detailed that the child was spotted during an early morning aerial reconnaissance of the coastline on June 11, 2026. The sighting provided a crucial lead in the search for the adolescent female, who had been pulled into the ocean near Treasure Island Beach just two days prior, on June 9.
The body was located roughly 250 to 300 yards off the coast of Christmas Cove, a point that lies just a quarter mile north of where she initially disappeared into the sea. Laguna Beach Marine Safety teams, with support from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Harbor Patrol, were quick to respond and successfully recovered the body.
In an unrelated but notable move, Laguna Beach has also enforced stricter regulations on beach setups, introducing fines of up to $500 for the use of sun shades and canopies. This policy shift aims to manage the popular vacation spot better and ensure safety for its visitors.
Amidst the unfolding tragedy, a Laguna Beach Park Ranger was seen vigilantly scanning the horizon on Wednesday, June 10, near the area where the child was lost to the ocean. This image, captured by Mindy Schauer and distributed by MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images, encapsulates the ongoing efforts and the community’s collective concern during the search.
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.”
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.
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)
“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.”
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