A body was discovered in the Santa Ana River, specifically in the Fountain Valley area, on Thursday. This incident unfolded on January 1, 2026, when the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) received a 911 call reporting a person in distress.
Incident Overview
Emergency responders were dispatched to 2500 Harbor Boulevard shortly before noon. They were initially called for a water rescue due to a report of someone shouting for help.
Rescue Efforts
Upon arrival, fire crews located the body approximately two miles downstream. Video footage captured by AIR7 showed the swift water rescue team preparing to retrieve the deceased.
- Discovery Location: Santa Ana River, Fountain Valley
- Date: January 1, 2026
- Initial Notification: 911 call for water rescue
- Rescue Team: Orange County Fire Authority
- Body Location: 2 miles downstream
The OCFA team successfully hoisted the body from the river and handed it over to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department for further investigation. Authorities have yet to disclose the circumstances surrounding this incident, leaving many questions unanswered.
Ongoing Investigation
This story is still developing, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available. The investigation by law enforcement will seek to clarify the events leading up to this tragic discovery.
