Wednesday, 12 August 2026, 11:54
A 3-year-old girl from Modesto died after being pulled from the water at the Fleming Meadows Lagoon at Lake Don Pedro. Tuolumne County Sheriff David Vasquez said at Tuesday's Board of Supervisors meeting that the death is now being investigated as a homicide.
The girl was on a family camping trip, according to a GoFundMe page for the family that has since been taken down. "What was meant to be a joyful family camping trip became an unimaginable nightmare that no parent, sibling, or grandparent should ever have to endure," the page read. The page had raised more than $13,000 before it was taken down, according to internet archives. The sheriff's office has not identified the girl or her family.
In an update released Friday, July 31, 2026, the sheriff's office confirmed the case has been reclassified as a homicide and said no arrests have been made. Investigators said they are not releasing additional details while the investigation continues.
"That is an active investigation right now. We are treating it as a homicide. We don't have all of the logistics and all this information from all the people who are around there. We're still gathering that information, which is a common protocol for us to do whenever there's a death involving a child," Vasquez said.
According to the sheriff's office, the girl was initially reported missing on Saturday afternoon, July 18, 2026, at the lagoon. Deputies were dispatched around 3:34 p.m. after receiving a 911 call reporting that a missing girl may have drowned. While deputies were responding, additional callers reported the child had been found and that CPR was underway. Members of the Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office Boat Patrol, who were already on the lake conducting routine patrols, responded immediately and took over lifesaving efforts from bystanders. Deputies also responded and assisted until firefighters and paramedics arrived. Despite continued life-saving efforts, the girl was pronounced dead before she could be airlifted to a hospital.
The sheriff's office said the girl was declared deceased at the scene.
The sheriff acknowledged the emotional impact of the case. "It really shook the pillars of this entire community. We saw a lot of narratives on social media. Folks are quick to judge, and emotions run high whenever we talk about things that seem to be preventable," he said. He also addressed criticism of the rescue response. "The deputy sheriff, the firefighters, and the medics responded to that call and at one point had to hold a lifeless child in their arms after performing CPR."
Vasquez added, "I've been there, done that, and I know what it's like to be defeated. If there's anybody out there that has a question about how we responded to that, I know there was some feedback on social media and also some calls about the timelines. I know that deputy sheriffs, whenever there is a call for help coming from the community, they're unwavering in their response."
Vasquez said deputies are still gathering witness statements, but they are treating the case as a homicide "until we know otherwise."
Investigators are specifically looking for a photo of a raft that may show the child on it. They also want to hear from any witnesses who saw the girl before she was pulled from the water.
The department released a photo of the lagoon showing a blue raft amid crowds of people in the water. They believe the girl was on that raft before she died, and they are asking anyone with information to call 209-694-2904.
Sheriff officials are also requesting any photos and videos that visitors may have taken before, during, and after the incident.
Investigators said they are not releasing additional details while the investigation continues. They are asking for any photos or videos that may show the child on a raft or boat with other children before the incident.
"Trust that your sheriff's office will conduct a thorough investigation, and when the time is appropriate, we will release what is applicable to release to the public."
Lake Don Pedro is a popular recreation spot in the Sierra foothills south of Sonora.
The drowning happened at Fleming Meadows Lagoon, a popular swimming area on Lake Don Pedro. The lake sits along the Tuolumne and Mariposa county line, and the Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office is leading the investigation. The sheriff made his remarks during a public meeting in Sonora, the county seat. The victim's family is from Modesto, which is in Stanislaus County.
Deaths involving children are automatically reviewed under standard protocol, even before a cause is determined. The sheriff's office said it is common to gather detailed statements from everyone present before releasing information. Social media narratives, Vasquez said, have been quick and emotional, but the investigation must follow the facts.
The investigation remains active. Anyone who was at the lagoon around the time of the incident, or who has photos of the raft, is urged to contact the Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office. Authorities have not announced any arrests or named a suspect.
