Update: A GoFundMe has been set up by the victim’s family for funeral costs. Click here if you wish to donate.
OC Lifeguards recovered a female swimmer’s body from the ocean approximately 100 yards offshore of Lighthouse Cove on Wednesday, Oct. 5. after reports were made of a swimmer missing in the water.
The Orange County Coroner identified the swimmer as 16-year-old Juliette Jung of Los Angeles.
After observers saw Jung struggling close to another swimmer, emergency responders were dispatched to 10 Street Beach at 4:47 p.m. and arrived shortly after. Lifeguards were able to save the one swimmer. An extensive search for Jung, which included Laguna Beach Lifeguards, OC Lifeguards and dive teams, lasted for more than an hour before lifeguards located her.
Laguna Beach Fire, Laguna Beach Police, Orange County Fire Authority and the Orange County Sheriff Department helicopter and harbor patrol boats were also on the scene to assist.
“We utilized the helicopter and boats to respond to the call for help,” Orange County Sheriff’s Department spokesperson Todd Hilton said.
Lifeguards rescued Jung at 6:20 p.m. Jung was pronounced dead on-scene by paramedics at 6:21 p.m.
