Girl, 5, drowned after being swept off rock by wave with grandfather missing
The heartbroken family of a five-year-old girl who drowned after being swept off a rock by a sneaker wave have paid an emotional tribute to the "beautiful soul".
Yaretzi Noemi Biorato and her 54-year-old grandfather Pascal Soriano were hit by the wave at around 2pm on Saturday on Martin's Beach in California's Half Moon Bay. Search teams scoured the water and Yaretzi was rescued and taken to the local hospital for treatment. However, she was pronounced dead the following day.
Pascal remains missing and search teams have now suspended rescue efforts. Devastated family members have paid tribute to Yaretzi, who loved unicorns, jewellery and painting her nails,
Her mother Yesenia Valenzuela, from Merced, California, wrote on Facebook: "My babygirl, mommy's always going to love you and remember you. I love you baby girl I miss you so much."
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Yaretzi is described as having a 'beautiful soul' (GoFundMe)In another social media post, she wrote: "My babygurl I miss you so much. Hug your kids tight tell them you love them often. This is so hard. I hate it. Pls keep grandpa pascal in your prayers as well he still hasn't been found."
A cousin of Yesenia has launched a GoFundMe page in order to raise funds for Yaretzi's funeral. The page reads: "I am starting this on behalf of my cousin, Yesenia, who tragically lost her baby girl this past Saturday Nov 25th 2023.
"We lost a beautiful soul unexpectedly, we ask in whatever form that you are able to help so that we are able to lay to rest our beautiful baby girl Yaretzi. God called upon her to enter his kingdom after she shared 5 beautiful and bright years of her life with us. Please offer respect and condolences to her family she leaves behind, and if you are able to contribute to any foreseeable costs we greatly appreciate it."
More than 100 square miles was searched by coast guard crews after Yaretzi and Pascal were swept into the water (KTVU)Yaretzi's godfather Jason Salcido added in a separate tribute: "Yaretzi, I know there was nothing I could of done. I just wish I could of said goodbye one last time knowing it would be the last.
"There was a last time, I just didn't know it. I had the privilege to be your godfather your Nino, which I will always be. I know you loved unicorns, you loved jewelry, you loved painting your nails, you loved yellow, you loved everyone and everyone loved you.
"I was supposed to take care of you but now I hope you watch over me. I miss holding you or holding your hand but I know I'll see you again. I don't know if you can hear me but I love you mi hermosa ahijada. I love you mamas. 'Would you hold my hand if I saw you in heaven?"
Pascal Soriano remains missing and the search efforts have been suspended (KTVU)More than 100 square miles were searched by coast guard crews after Yaretzi and Pascal were swept into the water. Helicopters and boats were deployed but after 22 hours could not find the grandfather.
People had been told by the National Weather Service to 'remain out of the water' as 'large, unexpected waves can sweep across the beach without warning, sweeping people into the sea from rocks, jetties, and beaches'. Jordan Baldueza, deputy commander, Coast Guard Sector San Francisco, said: "The decision to suspend search efforts is one of the hardest decisions to make, but our crews searched for nearly 24 hours without any sightings of the missing person. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends affected by this very tragic event."
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