DATE/TIME: May 7, 2024, 4:03 P.M.
INCIDENT: Search and Rescue
LOCATION: Thermun Flats / Highway 38
VICTIMS: 4-year-old girl and 2-year-old boy
SUMMARY:
On Tuesday, May 6, 2024, at approximately 1:45 P.M., a mother took her 4-year-old daughter and 2-year-old son to spend the afternoon at the Thermun Flats Picnic Area.
The mother and her children were playing near the river with rapid water moving downstream. At approximately 3:01 P.M., the mother was attending to her son when her daughter was taken downstream. The mother searched for her but could not locate her. When she returned, her son was missing and assumed to be down river as well. After frantically searching, she hiked up to the picnic area and contacted another family to help search for the children but were unsuccessful in locating them.
At approximately 4:03 P.M., deputies from the Yucaipa Station, Sheriff’s Air Rescue, Mentone Station County Fire personnel, U.S. Forest Service Rescue Crew and San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue members assisted in searching for the two missing children. At approximately 4:39 P.M. the 4-year-old was located and at approximately 5:04 P.M. the 2-year-old was located. Both were found near the river’s edge. They were transported to local hospitals, and after extensive life saving measures, they were pronounced deceased.
Anyone with information related to the investigation is asked to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Yucaipa Station at (909) 918-2305. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may contact We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or visit the website at www.wetip.com.
Refer: Deputy Natalie Hanlin
Station: Yucaipa Station
Phone No. (909) 918-2305
Case No. 042400386
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
