Couple Drowns Trying To Save Family Dog, Teenage Son Missing

Big Lagoon, CA — A man and woman have drowned and their teenage son is missing after the trio were swept into the ocean while trying to rescue their dog.

The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon in Big Lagoon, California when family members went into the ocean to try and save their dog, which was pulled away from shore by massive eight- to 10-foot waves, reports NBC News.

The couple drowned during the incident and their bodies have been recovered by the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office. Both were pronounced dead at the scene. Officials have not been able to locate the 16-year-old boy, who is believed to be the couple’s son.

The couple’s daughter called police upon seeing her family swept to sea. The US Coast Guard responded a little after 12:40 pm local time, notes the Times Standard.

The Humboldt County Coroner’s Office arrived at the scene to transport the bodies to the morgue, where they will likely undergo autopsies to determine the official cause of death.

The US Coast Guard utilized helicopters to search for the teenage boy, but were forced to stop around 7:15 pm because of coastal fog in the area. The Coast Guard stated that they will resume searching once the fog lifts, even in the dark. Meanwhile, two 47-foot motor life boats are sweeping the area where the boy was pulled out to sea to try and locate him.

While the couple drowned and their son is missing, the family’s dog was able to make it to safety.