A woman whose body was recovered from the Santa Ana River on New Year’s Day has been identified by family members as a local mother of two.
Orange County Fire Authority said crews responded shortly before noon Jan. 1 after reports of a body in the river near Warner Avenue and Harbor Boulevard. Swift-water rescue teams were dispatched as fast-moving water carried the woman about two miles downstream, officials said.
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An aerial ladder was used to retrieve a woman’s body that was discovered in the Fountain Valley area of the Santa Ana River on Jan. 1, 2026. (Citizen App)
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The woman’s body was placed into a Stokes basket and hoisted out of the Santa Ana River on Jan. 1, 2026. (Citizen App)
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An aerial ladder was used to retrieve a woman’s body that was discovered in the Fountain Valley area of the Santa Ana River on Jan. 1, 2026. (Citizen App)
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A woman’s body was discovered in the Fountain Valley area of the Santa Ana River on Jan. 1, 2026. (Citizen App)
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An aerial ladder was used to retrieve a woman’s body that was discovered in the Fountain Valley area of the Santa Ana River on Jan. 1, 2026. (Citizen App)
Firefighters recovered the woman’s body in the Fountain Valley area near Ellis Avenue, using an aerial ladder to lower crews into the river before placing her into a Stokes basket and hoisting her out of the water. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Family members later identified the woman as Alejandra Ramirez Torres, 39, who leaves behind two daughters, ages 11 and 16, according to a GoFundMe created by relatives.
“This sudden and heartbreaking loss has deeply affected our family,” the fundraiser states. “We are doing everything we can to support Alejandra’s girls as they face an uncertain future without their mother.”
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Alejandra Ramirez Torres, 39, is seen here with her two daughters in an undated photo. (GoFundMe)
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Alejandra Ramirez Torres’ two daughters are seen here in an undated photo. (GoFundMe)
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Alejandra Ramirez Torres, 39, (top left) is seen here with her partner and two daughters in an undated photo. (GoFundMe)
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Alejandra Ramirez Torres, 39, (top right) is seen here with her partner and two daughters in an undated photo. (GoFundMe)
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Alejandra Ramirez Torres, 39, is seen here with one of her two daughters in an undated photo. (GoFundMe)
According to the Orange County Register, officials said Torres was homeless at the time of her death. The circumstances that led to her entering the river have not been released and remain under investigation.
The fundraiser says donations will be used to cover funeral costs and provide immediate and long-term support for Torres’ daughters.
Vanessa Garcia contributed to this report.
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