- 5-year-old Amada Mia Brown tragically swept out to sea during powerful Southern California swell near Laguna Beach.
Last week’s historic swell delivered some of the biggest surf Southern California has seen in recent memory. For surfers, of course, it was a welcomed gift. But for one family visiting Laguna Beach, it became an unimaginable tragedy.
On Saturday evening, family and friends gathered at Treasure Island Beach near the Montage Laguna Beach resort to remember 5-year-old Amada Mia Brown, who was swept out to sea during the powerful surf event. Her body was recovered days later approximately a quarter-mile from where she disappeared.
The incident occurred as large swell and dangerous ocean conditions pounded Orange County’s coastline. Lifeguards throughout the region issued warnings about strong currents, large shorebreak, and hazardous conditions as waves surged well above typical summer levels. At the vigil Amada’s father, Aaron Brown, mourned his child…