Remains found at Torrey Pines State Beach identified as 10-year-old girl
Share this @internewscast.com

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — The San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office said remains that were found on Torrey Pines State Beach last week belonged to a 10-year-old girl who was one of those on board a panga that capsized in Del Mar earlier this month.

The remains were found by a passerby on May 21 who immediately contacted law enforcement.

On Thursday, the Medical Examiner’s office confirmed the remains belonged to a 10-year-old girl named Mahi Brijeshkumar Patel.

Local law enforcement is is seen at Torrey Pines State Beach after a boat was spotted on Monday, May 5, 2025. (Credit: On.Scene.TV)

Patel was one of the passengers of a panga that had capsized on May 5 at Del Mar Beach, according to the medical examiner’s office. The office added that Patel was missing and could not be located when law enforcement and other emergency personnel arrived.

The vessel was found near the 12000 block of North Torrey Pines Road and triggered a multi-agency response from the San Diego Police Department, Del Mar lifeguards, Border Patrol agents, the United States Coast Guard and other local authorities.

According to local officials, as many as 18 people were believed to have been on the boat at the time, including alleged smugglers.

Jorge Sanchez, deputy fire chief with the Encinitas Fire Department, confirmed that at least three people were killed in the incident.

Three bodies were recovered, including a 14-year-old boy from India identified in court records as P.P.B.

Eight of the nine migrants who had been missing from the boat were accounted for, with the exception of P.P.B’s 10-year-old sister, authorities previously stated.

On Wednesday, May 21, a passerby at Torrey Pines State Beach came across human remains which were later turned over to authorities.

The medical examiner stated Patel’s parents have been notified of DNA testing that confirmed her identity.

The cause and manner of her death are still pending investigation.

Five Mexican nationals were detained in relation to the alleged smuggling scheme after Border Patrol agents stopped vehicles that were seen leaving the area where the boat capsized.

Julio Cesar Zuniga-Luna, 30, and Jesus Juan Rodriguez-Leyva, 36, were charged with bringing in aliens resulting in death and bringing in aliens for financial gain. Meanwhile, Melissa Jenelle Cota, 33, Gustavo Lara, 32, and Sergio Rojas-Fregosa, 31, were charged with transportation of illegal aliens.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Five Killed, Including Gunman, in Michigan Church Shooting

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience, please visit our…

Adorable Newborn Giraffe Arrives at Paris Zoo

Internet Explorer 11 is no longer supported. For the best experience, please…

Oregon Opposes Trump’s National Guard Deployment

() The state of Oregon is fighting back against the Trump administration’s…

21-Year-Old Fatally Shot at Deltona Condo; Suspect Apprehended

DELTONA, Fla. – A 21-year-old man was shot and killed early Monday…

Celebrating 40 Years of Good Samaritan Ministries: A Journey of Compassion

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WHL) — A prominent non-profit organization in the area…

“Community Comes Together for Heartwarming Gala in Urbana: ‘It Reminds Us We’re Not Alone'”

URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Participants gathered to raise awareness and funds for…

Two Injured in Highway 11E Accident in Greene County, Reports THP

GREENE COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Two people were injured after a crash…

Officials Report Suspect in Michigan Church Shooting is an Iraq War Veteran and Former Marine

(The Hill) — The suspect in the Sunday shooting at a Michigan…

Netanyahu Meets with Trump at the White House

Internet Explorer 11 is not supported. For the best experience, please view…

Teen Driving Safety Program Held by B.R.A.K.E.S. at Bristol Motor Speedway

BRISTOL, Tenn. (WJHL) — The B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible and Keep Everyone Safe)…

Mamdani: NYC Mayoral Race Uncontrolled by Trump’s Donors

New York City Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani stated that President Trump’s…

Federal Agents Make Their Presence Known in Downtown Chicago

Heavily armed federal agents in military-style outfits descended upon downtown Chicago on…