A massive rogue wave in Laguna Beach led to a devastating tragedy in California on June 9. A 5-year-old girl named Amada Mia Brown lost her life after being swept out to sea, and tributes are now pouring in from her family and local authorities highlighting just how heartbreaking the incident was.
On the night of the tragedy, Amada was with her mother and 7-year-old brother walking along the shoreline at Treasure Island Beach. According to Fox LA, a historic 9-foot summer south swell swept all three family members into the ocean. Witnesses at the scene reacted immediately and were able to rescue the mother and son, but they could not reach Amada in time.
It was a large-scale operation
A large-scale search operation for Amada then began. The U.S. Coast Guard, the Laguna Beach Marine Safety Department, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department joined forces in a multi-agency effort. The search lasted roughly 30 hours and covered nearly 90 miles of ocean before authorities finally made a breakthrough.
On Thursday morning, June 11, an aerial search team spotted Amada’s body. She was found approximately a quarter-mile north of where she had disappeared. According to reports, her body was recovered just off the coast near Christmas Cove Beach. Loved ones soon gathered to mourn Amada, who was affectionately nicknamed “Mama Mia” by her family.
She was scheduled to start school in August
Her father, Aaron Brown, emotionally addressed the loss, saying, “She’s not a teenager. You know, she wasn’t just some regular swimmer.” He continued, “You know she was 5-years-old. She was a beautiful child and the light on the earth has definitely dimmed some with her not being here.”
According to another report by the California Post, Amada had been scheduled to begin kindergarten in the San Bernardino City Unified School District later this year. The family has since created a GoFundMe page to help them navigate this painful period.
The family wrote in a statement on the fundraising platform, “Our family’s lives changed forever following a tragic accident on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, in Laguna Beach. After an extensive search, Amada was found and has now been reunited with her loved ones. While we are grateful to have answers, our hearts are shattered by this devastating loss.”
The statement also offered a glimpse into Amada’s personality, writing, “She dreamed of becoming a singer and had a beautiful voice that brought joy to those around her. She admired Jessie Reyez and found inspiration in music. A devoted fan of KPop Demon Hunters, Amada was always expressing her creativity, whether through singing, dancing, imagining stories, or finding new ways to bring joy and wonder into the world around her.”
Officials urges caution moving forward
Laguna Beach Mayor Mark Orgill later described the tragedy as “one of the most heartbreaking incidents” he has witnessed during his tenure. Some beachgoers visiting from other states, including Arizona, also expressed fears about bringing children near the shoreline until conditions “calm down.”
Officials have continued urging the public to remain extremely cautious near the ocean in the coming days. Authorities emphasized that the warning should especially be taken seriously by inexperienced swimmers and families with children.
Published: Jun 15, 2026 01:05 pm