Heartbreaking ending as body of missing 5-year-old girl found after she was swept away in Laguna Beach

The body of a 5-year-old girl who was swept into the water by a massive wave in Laguna Beach has been recovered.

Rescue officials had called off the search for the missing girl Wednesday night, after she was swept into the water a day earlier along with her mother and a sibling.

The mother and a sibling were rescued by bystanders, but the little girl was pulled away and never seen again.

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.

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.

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

“Our deepest condolences go out to the child’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,”  said Capt. Stacey Crecy, commander of Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach in a statement.

“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,” Crecy continued.

Footage obtained by The California Post showed the frantic search for the young girl Tuesday night as officials used high-powered flash lights from the shore and cliffside.