Body Found in Delta-Mendota Canal Near Gustine; Identity Pending

GUSTINE, CA — Authorities recovered the body of an adult woman from the Delta-Mendota Canal near Whitworth and Cottonwood roads on Sunday morning, according to the Merced County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators responded to a report around 10:15 a.m. and deployed the Water Recovery and Rescue Team to retrieve the remains.

Meanwhile, the discovery follows an ongoing search connected to a January 28 off-road crash near State Route 140, just outside Gustine. During that incident, a dune-buggy style RZR carrying four people entered the canal. Three occupants escaped. However, a fourth passenger, 21-year-old Lupita Ontiveros of Stockton, was swept away by the current and remained missing. Ontiveros is the mother of an 18-month-old child.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the driver operated the RZR along the canal bank before the vehicle entered the water. Investigators cited low visibility and heavy dust at the time. Witnesses reported that the driver fled the scene after reaching the bank. Later, officers arrested the driver and booked him into the Merced County Jail on suspicion of DUI and hit-and-run.

Since then, search teams have faced difficult conditions. Divers worked through murky water and strong currents while assisting CHP in recovery efforts. As a result, progress required coordinated efforts across agencies.

At this time, officials have not confirmed the identity of the woman recovered. The Merced County Coroner’s Office will complete the identification process and notify next of kin before releasing further details. Both the Sheriff’s Office and CHP stated that the investigation remains active.

Community members continue to seek answers as authorities work to confirm the woman’s identity and clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident. Updates will follow as investigators release verified information.

Source

Westside Connect — Sabra Stafford
Link to the original article.