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

Oregon Takes Legal Steps to Prevent Trump’s Federal Agents in Portland

Oregon officials are heading to federal court to contest the Trump administration’s…

Pro-European Party Triumphs in Moldova’s Parliamentary Elections Amid Allegations of Russian Interference

CHISINAU – Moldova’s pro-Western governing party secured a definitive parliamentary majority, surpassing…

Are Your Halloween Decorations Pushing Legal Boundaries?

Halloween enthusiasts often go all out with decorations, debuting larger skeletons each…

“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…

Locals Share Their Accounts of the Michigan Church Incident

IE 11 is not supported. For the best experience, please visit our…

Storm Team 3 Predicts Minimal Effects from Tropical Storm Imelda in Local Areas

As of the 5 PM National Hurricane Center update, Tropical Storm Imelda…

Man Confesses on TV to Murdering and Burying His Parents

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — This week, during a television interview, a man…

GBI Probes Double Fatality in Screven County

SCREVEN COUNTY, Ga. () – The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is looking…

North Port Entrepreneurs Recovering from Severe Accident in DeSoto County

NORTH PORT, Fla. — A beloved local food truck business is working…

Georgia Southern’s Offense Falters in Sun Belt Opening Game

HARRISONBURG, Va. (AP) — Curtis Harris-Lopez took a kickoff 88 yards back…

Eric Adams Withdraws from NYC Mayor Race

Internet Explorer 11 is not compatible with our site. For the best…

Trump Criticizes Ex-FBI Director Wray Following Comey Charges

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