Santa Ana, CA – A 39-year-old mother of two was tragically found dead in the Santa Ana River on New Year’s Day, authorities confirmed. The woman, identified by family members as Alejandra Ramirez Torres, leaves behind two daughters, ages 11 and 16, and her sudden passing has devastated her loved ones.
Discovery and Rescue Efforts
The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) reported that crews responded shortly before noon on Jan. 1 after receiving reports of a body in the river near Warner Avenue and Harbor Boulevard. Swift-water rescue teams were deployed due to the river’s fast-moving currents, which carried the woman approximately two miles downstream.
Firefighters used an aerial ladder to lower rescue personnel into the river, recovering Torres’ body with a Stokes basket before hoisting her out of the water. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Family Identifies Victim
Family members later confirmed the woman’s identity as Alejandra Ramirez Torres, a local mother. A GoFundMe page set up by relatives notes the profound impact of her loss on her two daughters.
“This sudden and heartbreaking loss has deeply affected our family,” the fundraiser reads. “We are doing everything we can to support Alejandra’s girls as they face an uncertain future without their mother.”
The GoFundMe has also served as a means to assist with immediate needs for the children, as the family adjusts to life after Torres’ passing.
Circumstances Under Investigation
Officials have stated that Torres was homeless at the time of her death. The circumstances leading to her entering the river remain unknown, and authorities have not released further details. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department is conducting an ongoing investigation to determine what led to the tragic incident.
Investigators continue to examine the area and review evidence, including potential witnesses or surveillance footage, to provide clarity for Torres’ family and the community.
Community Response
The tragedy has drawn expressions of grief and support from the local community, emphasizing the need to address homelessness and public safety in the area. Local residents have rallied around Torres’ daughters, offering assistance and emotional support as they cope with the sudden loss.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident or who may have been in the area at the time to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, as part of the effort to better understand the events that led to this heartbreaking death.
How can communities better support vulnerable residents and prevent tragedies like this? What steps can be taken to protect those experiencing homelessness near waterways?
Share your thoughts in the comments and help discuss ways to ensure safety and support for at-risk individuals in Santa Ana.
