17-year-old from Central Coast drowns near Sequoia National Park in California

A 17-year-old who was visiting Sequoia National Park for the first time drowned last Friday week after in an incident in Three Rivers.

Andrea Diaz Mondragon of Santa Maria was just outside the southern entrance of the national park in California with family and friends when she slipped into the water and could not be rescued despite efforts, according to a GoFundMe made to help with Mondragon’s funeral expenses.

Mondragon had just finished her junior year at Pioneer Valley High School in Santa Maria and wanted to be a nurse. She was described as “bright and loving,” and “passionate about helping others,” according to the GoFundMe.

It was the second death involving a young person at or near a national park in Central California in a two-day span.

On Saturday, 22-year-old Josue Baires Alfaro died in Yosemite National Park after allegedly going over Nevada Fall.

Mondragon’s death was the ninth fatality on waterways in Tulare County in 2026, according to the Tulare County Sheriff’s office.

As of Thursday, the GoFundMe had raised over $9000 of its $11,000 goal.

“Above all, Andrea deeply loved her family. She cherished her mother, father, and two older brothers, and was always there for her younger sister, whom she loved and protected,” the GoFundMe described. “Her beautiful spirit touched countless lives, and her loss has left her family, friends, and classmates heartbroken.”

Drowning is the primary cause of death in national parks, according to the National Park Service website.

Spring and summer are extremely hazardous times for rivers in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks due to melting snow from the mountains. Currents can be strong even in low water.

This story was originally published June 25, 2026 at 11:46 AM with the headline "17-year-old from Central Coast drowns near Sequoia National Park in California."