OCFA firefighters responded on New Year’s Day to a water rescue at the 2500 block of Harbor Boulevard, near the Costa Mesa Country Club, at around noon.
The victim, a woman, could be heard yelling for help, but rescuers got to her too late.
Her body was hoisted out by the rescue team in the Fountain Valley area, about two miles downriver from the location of the initial call, according to the Orange County Fire Authority.
The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Her exact cause of death remains unknown.
Her family identified her Alejandra Ramirez Torres, a 39-year-old mother who left behind two daughters, ages 11 and 16.
The family posted a GoFundMe page to raise funds for her funeral and for her daughters. They posted:
This sudden and heartbreaking loss has deeply affected our family, and we are doing everything we can to support Alejandra’s girls as they face an uncertain future without their mother.
We are raising funds to help cover the costs of Alejandra’s funeral and to provide immediate support for her daughters. These funds will go directly toward funeral expenses, daily living needs, and future necessities to ensure the girls have stability and care during this incredibly difficult time. Every contribution will help ease the financial burden and allow us to focus on supporting Alejandra’s daughters as they navigate this new reality.
We are extremely thankful for anything you can give. Your kindness and support mean the world to us, and will make a lasting difference for Alejandra’s family. Thank you for standing with us and helping these young girls in their time of need.
Incidents involving individuals found deceased in the Santa Ana River or other waterways in Orange County do occur, though they are relatively uncommon compared to other causes of death. Based on available public safety and news data:
Frequency of water deaths in Orange County, CA
- There is no centralized annual statistic specifically for bodies found in the Santa Ana River, but Orange County law enforcement and coroner reports indicate that a few cases per year involve drownings, accidental deaths, or foul play in local rivers, channels, and flood control areas.
- These waterways can be hazardous due to strong currents during rain, homeless encampments along the riverbed, and occasional criminal activity.
Examples
- March 2023 – A body was discovered in the Santa Ana River near Anaheim; authorities suspected accidental drowning.
- July 2022 – A man was found dead in the riverbed near Orange; investigation pointed to possible heat-related death combined with homelessness.
- January 2021 – A woman’s body was recovered from the Santa Ana River in Riverside County (upstream), initially treated as suspicious but later ruled accidental.
- Flood Season Incidents – During heavy rains, the river becomes dangerous, and there have been cases of individuals swept away.
Context
The Santa Ana River runs through multiple cities, including Santa Ana, Anaheim, and Riverside, and is often associated with transient populations and environmental hazards. Law enforcement typically treats these cases as high priority due to the potential for foul play.