by Merced County, California — A desperate search continues for a 21-year-old mother who vanished into fast-moving canal waters after a dune buggy accident earlier this week, leaving her family heartbroken and fearing she did not survive.
Lupita Ontiveros, a Stockton resident and mother to an 18-month-old daughter, was riding with friends late Tuesday night when the dune buggy she was in rolled into the Delta-Mendota Canal, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Despite an extensive search, Ontiveros has not been located, and authorities say conditions in the canal have made rescue efforts extremely difficult.
Family Raises Alarm When She Doesn’t Come Home
Concern grew early Wednesday morning when Ontiveros failed to return home to her toddler, something relatives say was entirely out of character.
“She was supposed to come back home by midnight,” said her cousin Evenlyn Ontiveros. “When my aunt didn’t hear from her, she got worried. We didn’t know what had happened until later.”
Earlier that day, Ontiveros had spent time at a park with her daughter before agreeing, at a friend’s urging, to join the outing that would end in tragedy.
Crash Reported Near State Route 140
According to CHP, officers received a call shortly after midnight on Wednesday, January 29, reporting that a dune buggy had fallen into the canal near State Route 140, a key roadway leading toward Yosemite National Park.
The driver, Elixandro Naranjo Miranda, 21, was riding along the canal bank with three passengers. Miranda and two unidentified passengers managed to swim to safety and climb out of the canal.
Ontiveros, however, disappeared in the dark, fast-moving water.
Driver Arrested After Leaving Scene
CHP officials said Miranda fled the scene after the crash but was later arrested at his home and booked into the Merced County Jail.
On Friday, CHP spokesperson Shannon Stiers confirmed Miranda was arrested on a felony hit-and-run charge, though additional details were not immediately available.
The two other passengers were transported by ambulance and treated for moderate injuries.
Search Hampered by Strong Currents
Officers and rescue teams searched the canal area but were unable to locate Ontiveros. Later Wednesday evening, crews recovered the submerged dune buggy, but she was not inside.
Investigators noted that the seat belts were unattached, though it remains unclear whether they were not in use or could not be released during the crash.
“When we located the vehicle, she was not inside,” Stiers said. “She’s not on shore, so she has to be somewhere in the water.”
The canal’s powerful current has prevented divers from entering safely.
“The currents are so strong it’s not safe for divers,” Stiers explained, adding that the water flow can only be shut down under limited emergency conditions.
The canal is currently running at high speed to supply irrigation water to surrounding farmland.
Family’s Heartbreak as Hope Fades
As days pass without answers, family members say they are preparing for the worst.
“It breaks my heart seeing my aunt crying desperately, yelling her name, telling her to come out of the water and go to her baby,” Evenlyn Ontiveros said. “She just stares into the canal and calls for her.”
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Authorities also acknowledge that the likelihood of survival is slim, though the search has not been officially called off. Water management workers along the canal have been asked to remain alert for any sign of Ontiveros.
“It’s a hard deal for the family to have to wait,” Stiers said. “But as of now, we have nothing.”
Community and Family Await Answers
Ontiveros comes from a large extended family in Stockton, many of whom have gathered near the canal, hoping for closure. Friends and relatives describe her as a devoted mother whose priority was always her young daughter.
The incident has also renewed concerns about off-road vehicle safety near waterways, especially during nighttime outings and in areas with unguarded canal banks.
For now, the search continues — and a family waits, grieving a young mother who simply went out with friends and never came home.
Do you think safety measures around canals and off-road recreation areas should be strengthened to prevent tragedies like this? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
