by Stockton, California — A growing wave of concern and community support has emerged in Northern California as a Stockton mother remains missing more than a week after a dune buggy crashed into a canal in Merced County, leaving her family desperate for answers and pleading for expanded search efforts.
Lupita Lizbeth Zuniga Ontiveros was last seen on January 26, according to her family. What began as a night out with friends has turned into an agonizing wait marked by daily searches, prayer circles, and volunteers combing the area from sunrise to sunset.
Last conversation before she vanished
Family members say Lupita, a devoted mother, left her 18-month-old daughter, Deylani, in the care of her sister that evening. Judith Zuniga Ontiveros recalls their final conversation clearly.
“She told me to take care of her baby because she was going out with friends and had to do them a favor,” Judith said. “She told me she’d be home by 12.”
Lupita never returned.
Days later, loved ones learned she may have been involved in a dune buggy crash that sent the vehicle into the Delta-Mendota Canal, a sprawling waterway that has since become the focus of a massive search operation.
Community steps in as search expands
As word of Lupita’s disappearance spread on social media, strangers from across the region began showing up to help. Volunteers have joined organized search parties, some bringing ATVs, others offering food, water, and emotional support to the family.
“People who don’t even know us are out here looking,” Judith said. “That means everything to us.”
Maria Ortega arrived with her mother and aunt after seeing posts online.
“If it was our family in this situation, we’d hope people would come out too,” Ortega said. “We’re just here to support however we can.”
Others said they were moved after seeing emotional videos shared on TikTok, including one featuring Lupita’s mother in tears.
“I saw her mom crying and it broke my heart,” volunteer Miguel Cornejo said. “If that were my daughter, I can’t even imagine that pain.”
What authorities say happened
According to the California Highway Patrol’s Los Banos office, the crash occurred just after midnight on January 28 near State Route 140 and Gravel Pit Road.
Investigators say a dune buggy driven by 21-year-old Elixandro Naranjo Miranda entered the Delta-Mendota Canal at approximately 10 miles per hour, amid poor visibility caused by darkness and dust.
While three passengers were able to reach the canal bank, Lupita remains unaccounted for.
CHP officials allege the driver fled the scene before law enforcement arrived. He has since been arrested, and the investigation remains ongoing.
As of Monday evening, officials from both CHP Los Banos and the Merced County Sheriff’s Office had not provided updated details regarding the search or recovery efforts.
Family urges officials to allow divers
One of the family’s biggest frustrations centers on what they say are limited search conditions inside the canal. Judith says authorities have not yet permitted divers to enter the water due to safety concerns.
“I would like the authorities to finally give permission for the diver to go in,” she said. “He’s willing to take the risk. He’s said it more than once.”
Family members believe Lupita may still be in the canal and fear that delays could reduce the chances of bringing her home.
In the meantime, the family has launched an online fundraiser to help cover food and water for volunteers, fuel costs, and legal assistance as they navigate the investigation.
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Remembering Lupita as a mother and friend
Those closest to Lupita describe her as warm, outgoing, and deeply devoted to her daughter.
“She loved her baby more than anything,” Judith said. “She would dance her to sleep every night.”
Judith says her sister’s kindness sometimes worked against her.
“She wouldn’t take no for an answer. She believed there was good in everyone, no matter how bad they were.”
As night falls each day, searchers gather for prayer, sharing hugs and quiet words of encouragement with Lupita’s family.
“If you’re out there, Lupita, I really miss you,” Judith said. “Your baby is waiting for you. I just want justice. I just want my sister back.”
Hope remains as search continues
Despite the uncertainty, the family remains hopeful, drawing strength from the community that continues to show up day after day. Vehicles line the roadside near the canal, while volunteers scan the water and surrounding terrain, refusing to give up.
For now, the search continues — fueled by love, determination, and the belief that answers are still possible.
Do you believe authorities should expand recovery efforts in cases like this? Share your thoughts and support for the family in the comments below.
