Woman Found Dead in California Wilds Two Months After Attempting to Save Sister in River

A Tragic Recovery After Two Months

A body found in a river within Sequoia National Park has been officially identified as that of a woman who disappeared while swimming with her sister two months earlier. Park officials have confirmed the identity of the deceased, marking the end of a long and challenging search.

Jomarie Calasanz, a resident of La Puente, was swept away by the fast-moving waters of the Kaweah River on May 25. Her body was recovered on July 24, and the Tulare County coroner's office confirmed her identity shortly after. The recovery process was delayed due to the dangerous conditions of the river, which required teams to wait for the water to slow before they could proceed.

Calasanz’s body was discovered less than a mile from where she went missing, according to an official statement from the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. The search for her was initially an active operation, but it transitioned into a "limited continuous" search on June 5 due to the fast-moving current and difficult terrain. This meant that the effort was scaled back but remained ongoing until her body was found. Teams used drones, dive teams, swift-water crews, and search dogs to continue the search.

According to her family, Calasanz was in the water with her sister, Joanne, when they were caught in a strong current. Calasanz swam out to save her sister, and both women were pulled away from the shore. Joanne was able to find her footing, but Jomarie was carried away by the powerful current.

Hours later, search-and-rescue crews located Calasanz's body using a drone. Her body was found underneath a waterfall, and it was assumed that she had already drowned. However, the recovery mission was called off because rescue personnel could not reach her body in the dark. The next day, the team returned to the waterfall, but her body was no longer there.

Over the following weeks, the California Office of Emergency Services joined the search along with the Sheriff's Office. They used aircraft, underwater cameras, and sonar technology in an effort to locate Calasanz's body. Renowned diver Juan Heredia, known for his work in locating drowning victims, also volunteered to assist in the search.

In early July, the sheriff’s office focused their efforts on a specific area along the river. However, the water conditions remained too dangerous, and the body could not be found. Finally, on July 24, the recovery was completed.

Francis Calasanz, Jomarie’s father, expressed his gratitude to everyone involved in the search. In a Facebook post, he thanked God, the rescue crews, county officials, and volunteers for their efforts. He shared his hope that the news would bring closure to those affected by Jomarie’s life.

"Each of you played an essential part in bringing Jomarie home," he wrote. "We will never forget your efforts, and we are forever grateful. May God Bless You All. Now, Jomarie rests in the Peace of Christ — freed from all suffering, embraced by God’s eternal love, and welcomed into the joy of everlasting life. May all be comforted in knowing that she is found."