Search efforts have been reduced for a missing woman from Los Angeles who jumped into a river to save her sister in Sequoia National Park. Jomarie Calasanz, 26, was swept away by the fast currents of the Kaweah River on May 25. She had entered the river to rescue her sister, Joanne, who was trying to swim in what appeared to be calm waters.
The family described the incident as a tragic turn of events during what was meant to be a joyful outing with loved ones. While Joanne was released by the river, Jomarie has not yet been found. The family has shared their heartbreak, stating that this experience will haunt them forever.
A multi-agency search operation that lasted nine days involved search-and-rescue teams, dogs, underwater cameras, and aerial searches. However, the melting snowpack from higher elevations has made the river conditions increasingly dangerous, forcing officials to scale down the search efforts.
Park officials stated that they will reevaluate the situation when the river conditions improve in the coming weeks. Until then, the search will continue on a limited basis with fewer resources. They also urged visitors to avoid rivers during high flow conditions and warned about the risks posed by slippery rocks near riverbanks.
This incident highlights the dangers of outdoor activities, especially in natural settings where conditions can change rapidly. The family hopes for a positive outcome, but the uncertainty remains a heavy burden.