Overview
- Monterey County authorities identified the deceased as DJ Neo Gallardo of Salinas, a junior at Everett Alvarez High School.
- State park officials received a call around 1 p.m. about a swimmer needing help; rangers located him unresponsive shortly before 2 p.m., and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
- Officials described the episode as an unknown incident in the water, with the official cause of death awaiting a medical examination.
- The Gorge is a popular swimming hole reached by hiking and boulder scrambling, where icy, fast-moving river conditions can pose hazards and complicate rescues.
- The Salinas Union High School District has deployed counselors and wellness staff to support students and staff, and a GoFundMe has been organized for the family.