The search for Jomarie Calasanz, a 26-year-old woman from Los Angeles, has been scaled back due to dangerous conditions at Sequoia National Park. Calasanz was swept away by the strong currents of the Kaweah River after attempting to save her sister over Memorial Day weekend. Despite nine days of intensive searching by various agencies, which included the use of ground crews, canines, underwater cameras, helicopters, and drones, officials have had to transition to a more limited continuous search mode, according to KTLA.
The tragic incident occurred when Calasanz jumped into the river to rescue her sister, who had gotten caught in the frigid and fast-moving waters. While her sister managed to safely escape the river's grip, Calasanz was not found. The Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks shared on social media that the search effort utilized a broad range of techniques and that park officials believe Calasanz could still be within park boundaries, but stated that divers will be unable to safely conduct an underwater search until conditions improve. This information was initially reported by ABC7.
Following a visit by her family, the parks service continues to remind visitors to exercise extreme caution around river areas, highlighting the deceptive currents and slippery rocks. Officials attribute a significant number of park fatalities to river-related accidents, especially during spring and early summer when melting snow contributes to swift and icy conditions. This safety warning was issued as part of the ongoing coverage by FOX LA, which also reported on the tributes and statements from Calasanz's family and her affiliations, including San Francisco State University, where she was remembered as a "bright, compassionate, and driven student."
In a show of support, the Calasanz family has created a GoFundMe campaign to cover the cost of recovery efforts and memorial expenses. The page also pays tribute to Jomarie, calling her a hero and urging the community to "continue to pray for her recovery, so that we may be reunited once more before we say our final goodbye." Her sister Joanne publicly expressed her grief, stating, "You're my baby sister but many times in my life you've been my protector. You protected me until your last breath. My sister, my angel baby, I love you so much," as quoted by FOX LA.
As the search continues, albeit on a smaller scale, park officials urge anyone with information or possible sightings to contact Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Dispatch at 888-677-2746. The ongoing situation and the safety warnings remain critical to park visitors, especially as conditions are expected to change in the coming weeks. Updates on the search efforts and Calasanz's status will be made available as more information comes to light.
