Press Release: MCSO Sheriff-Coroner Identifies Person Recovered from Arroyo Seco River

DATE/TIME: 4/14/26 at 10:30 AM

TYPE OF INCIDENT: Monterey County Sheriff-Coroner Identifies Person Found in Arroyo Seco River

LOCATION: 1414 Natividad Road, Salinas, California

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

On Sunday, April 12, 2026, at approximately 4:30 PM, a kayaker called 911 to report a vehicle in the Arroyo Seco River near the 47000 block of Arroyo Seco Road. The vehicle was described as partially submerged.

Deputies from the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and located the vehicle down an embankment and in the river. The California Highway Patrol’s H70 Air Unit and the Greenfield Police Department assisted with an aerial drone search of the surrounding area.

Search efforts continued on Monday, April 13. Monterey County Search and Rescue personnel and established a rope system to safely access the river below. Members of the Sheriff’s Dive Team and Search and Rescue Team conducted a thorough search of the vehicle, confirming there were no occupants inside. After several hours of searching along the river and surrounding area, a deceased adult male was located approximately one-half mile downstream from the vehicle. With the assistance of CHP’s H70 helicopter, the decedent was recovered.

The decedent has been identified by the office of the Monterey County Sheriff-Coroner as 38-year-old Jacob Decarli of Salinas.

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office extends its condolences to the Decarli family and all those affected by this loss. This incident remains under investigation, and no additional information is available at this time. The Sheriff’s Office remains committed to providing accurate and timely information to the public while ensuring the integrity of the investigation and respecting the privacy of those involved.