The search for the 26-year-old Los Angeles woman swept by fast-moving water in Sequoia National Park over Memorial Day weekend was reduced as the river condition remains dangerous for rescue teams to enter.
Jomarie Kalasantz, 26 years old from Los Angeles. (gofundme)
Jomarie Kalasantz was last seen near Paradise Creek Bridge along the central fork of the Caware River in the park’s hilly area. Officials said she was with friends and family when she got caught up in a cold and powerful current.
After nine days of intensive searches by multiple agencies, National Park Service officials said crews had moved into “limited continuous mode” and allocated fewer resources while continuing to monitor the river.
Officials believe the Kalasanz could still be within the park’s boundaries, but the current conditions are not safe for divers to perform underwater searches.
Search efforts include ground crews, dogs, underwater cameras, helicopters and drones.
“We are grateful for the dedicated assistance of our neighbouring agencies and all those involved in the search for Jomarie,” an NPS official said.
Park officials continue to urge visitors to avoid and avoid the river and banks, warning that the outflow from snowmen has made the water colder and easily change faster. Even the calm-looking sections can overwhelm the experienced swimmers, and the wet rocks near the edge of the river are very smooth.
The indefinite photo shows the Caware River in Sequoia National Park. (Credit: National Park Service)
The area remains public notice, and the team plans to reassess the options if water levels drop in the next few weeks.
Anyone with information or sightings will be asked to contact Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Dispatch 888-677-2746.
The Kalasantz family has announced the death of their loved one and are seeking donations through GoFundMe to pay for recovery efforts and commemorative expenses.
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