One Dead, 5-Year-Old Missing In California After Family Gets Pulled Out Into Ocean

A 5-year-old girl’s father tragically drowned Friday while attempting to save her from the ocean.

The family was visiting Garrapata State Beach around Highway 1 in California when massive waves, estimated at 15 to 20 feet, swept the 5-year-old into the ocean, according to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.

Powerful waves are being driven ashore by a strong storm system off the California coast, which is also delivering heavy rain and triggering flash flood warnings, per FOX Weather. (RELATED: Evacuations Forced After Pack Fire Burns Thousands Of Acres In Mono County, California)

An off-duty State Parks peace officer and lifeguard spotted the family in distress, according to the sheriff’s office.

The father attempted to save his daughter, but both were swept away while he desperately held onto her hand.

The mother, still on the shore, reached for them but was also pulled into the surging water. She eventually managed to fight her way back to the beach, per the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.

PRESS RELEASE – Multi-Agency Search Efforts Continue For 5-Year-Old Girl Still Missing After Family Was Swept Into The Water By Large Wave Along the Big Sur Coast –

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office along with Monterey County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, California State… pic.twitter.com/v8oNnwFsV5

— Monterey Co Sheriff (@MCoSheriff) November 15, 2025

The officer reached the father, dragged him to shore and immediately began CPR, according to the sheriff’s office.

The parents were transported to a hospital in the area where the father was pronounced dead. This is the first fatality attributed to the storm system along the California coast, per FOX Weather.

The mother is in stable condition while being treated for hypothermia, according to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.

The 5-year-old daughter is still missing and was sporting a red shirt when she was swept away. Search efforts continue.