Press Release: MCSO Search and Rescue Recover Vehicle and Body from Arroyo Seco River

DATE/TIME: 4/13/26 at 5:37 PM

TYPE OF INCIDENT: Monterey County Search and Rescue Recovers Vehicle and Body from Arroyo Seco River

LOCATION: 47000 Block of Arroyo Seco Road, Monterey County, California

MEDIA CONTACT: Andres Rosas, Commander; Phone: 831-261-5492; Email: rosasae@countyofmonterey.gov

On Sunday, April 12th, 2026, at approximately 4:30 PM, a Kayaker called 911 to report a vehicle seen in the Arroyo Seco River near the 47000 Block of Arroyo Seco Road. The vehicle was reported to be partially submerged.

Deputies from Monterey County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and observed the vehicle over the cliffs edge and in the water. California Highway Patrol’s H70 Air Unit and Greenfield Police Department also assisted with a drone search of the area near the vehicle. Search efforts were suspended on Sunday night due to darkness.

On Monday, April 13th, Deputies and volunteers from the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team, Sheriff’s Dive Team, and California Highway Patrol’s H70 Air Unit, all resumed search operations for any possible occupants of the vehicle.

Search and rescue personnel built a rope system down the cliff and lowered Sheriff’s Dive Team and Search and Rescue members to the river. A thorough search of the vehicle confirmed no occupants were inside. Search efforts continued and after a few hours of searching along the river and river’s edge, a deceased male adult was located about ½ mile down river from the vehicle. With the assistance of CHP’s Helicopter (H70), the decedent was recovered.

The decedent was released to Monterey County Sheriff’s Coroner Detectives. A forensic examination will be conducted to determine the identity of the decedent and the cause and manner of death.