Authorities in California are investigating the drowning of a three-year-old girl at Don Pedro Reservoir after a family camping trip ended in tragedy over the weekend.
Investigators believe the child may have been playing on a raft before she entered the water, prompting officials to seek additional evidence from visitors who were at the scene.
The victim was identified as Lailah Rosillo, who was found unresponsive in the Fleming Meadows Lagoon on Saturday afternoon.
The lagoon is part of the popular recreation area at Don Pedro Reservoir, located roughly three hours east of San Francisco.
Emergency Response Could Not Save the Child
According to the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office, emergency dispatchers received a report at approximately 3:30 p.m. local time that a three-year-old child had gone missing and was feared to have drowned.
While deputies and emergency responders were en route, additional 911 callers reported that the child had been located.
Witnesses at the scene immediately began performing CPR in an attempt to revive her.
Despite the efforts of bystanders, sheriff’s deputies, firefighters, paramedics, and other emergency personnel, Lailah could not be resuscitated.
Authorities confirmed that she was pronounced dead at the scene before she could be transported to a medical facility.
Investigators Request Public Photos and Videos
As the investigation continues, the sheriff’s office has appealed to the public for assistance in reconstructing the events leading up to the drowning.
Officials released an image of a blue inflatable raft believed to have been connected to the incident and asked anyone with photographs or videos showing the child on a raft or boat with other children to come forward.
Investigators are also seeking witnesses who may have seen Lailah shortly before she was pulled from the water, believing those accounts could provide valuable information about the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Family and Friends Mourn Sudden Loss
The devastating incident has left Lailah’s family grieving the loss of the young girl, who relatives and friends described as bringing joy to everyone she met.
A fundraising campaign created by family friend Yolanda Muro to help cover funeral and memorial expenses described what began as a joyful family camping trip turning into an unimaginable nightmare.
The campaign also noted that Lailah is survived by her older brother, older sister, and baby brother, while her parents, grandparents, and extended family continue to cope with the unexpected loss.
By Wednesday, the fundraiser had collected approximately $8,900 toward its $12,000 goal.
Relatives Share Emotional Tributes
Family members have also expressed their heartbreak publicly following the tragedy.
Lailah’s aunt, Art Martinez, described her niece’s death as the worst imaginable experience in a Facebook tribute, saying she could only focus on supporting her sister and the rest of the family through their grief.
The messages have reflected the profound emotional impact the incident has had on those closest to the young child.
Popular Recreation Area Draws Families Throughout the Year
Fleming Meadows is one of the main recreation areas at Don Pedro Reservoir, featuring a two-acre swimming lagoon alongside multiple camping loops designed for families and outdoor visitors.
The site also includes a beach, expansive grassy areas, snack facilities, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, and a ball field, making it a popular destination for campers and day visitors alike.
Don Pedro Reservoir, created in 1971, is one of California’s largest reservoirs, with a storage capacity exceeding two million acre-feet of water.
Authorities continue urging anyone who witnessed Saturday’s incident or possesses relevant images or video footage to contact investigators as they work to determine exactly what happened.
