The search for 10-year-old Dulce Victoria ended in profound heartbreak after two long and agonizing days. The young girl, who had tragically gone missing after falling into the Lerma River, was found lifeless on Saturday morning. The news shattered the fragile hopes for a miracle and cast a heavy, sorrowful shadow over the close-knit community of Salamanca, leaving families and neighbors in shock and grief. The loss of such a young life reverberated far beyond the riverbanks, touching all who had prayed and hoped for her safe return.
The tragic confirmation came through an official statement issued by the Salamanca Municipal Government: âWith profound respect, we regret to inform the public that the body of a 10-year-old girl who fell into the Lerma River in the community of Pitayo last Thursday has been recovered.â The message not only shared the heartbreaking news but also extended the administrationâs deepest condolences to Dulceâs grieving family. The statement highlighted the municipalityâs dedication to handling such devastating events with the utmost dignity, care, and transparency, acknowledging the collective heartbreak of the entire community.
Dulceâs sudden disappearance had prompted an immediate and large-scale emergency response, mobilizing multiple agencies from across the region. Search and rescue teams from neighboring municipalitiesâincluding Irapuato, Pueblo Nuevo, and HuanĂmaroâjoined forces with divers, the Salamanca Fire Department, the Red Cross, and Civil Protection units. Tireless hours were spent combing the riverbanks, scouring the water, and coordinating search efforts under the guidance of experienced leaders, such as Liborio VĂĄzquez and the devoted members of the Salamanca Rescue Brigade. While the eventual discovery of Dulceâs body brought an indescribable sense of loss, it also provided a small measure of closure to the anguished search and gave the grieving community a focal point for mourning.
The incident had begun in the late afternoon, at approximately 3:15 p.m. on Thursday, June 12. Emergency responders were alerted by a frantic call reporting that two children had been swept away by the sudden and powerful current of the Lerma River. Early accounts indicated that Dulce and another child had been playing dangerously close to the waterâs edge when they unexpectedly lost their footing and were pulled into the strong flow. The boy, displaying remarkable presence of mind despite the frightening circumstances, managed to grab onto a nearby tree branch and was rescued shortly afterward. His detailed eyewitness account proved invaluable, guiding rescuers as they focused their search efforts along the riverâs twists and turns.
Despite the swift arrival of emergency services, the riverâs force proved too great for Dulce, and she was carried away. In the hours and days that followed, the community rallied together in anxious anticipation, keeping vigil along the riverbanks and praying for her safe return. Social media campaigns, neighborhood search parties, and tireless volunteer efforts painted a picture of a community united in hope and desperation. Yet, even as volunteers combed the area and divers scoured the water, the reality of the riverâs strength and unpredictability became painfully clear.
Finally, after 48 hours of relentless searching, Dulceâs body was located, ending a tense and agonizing chapter for everyone involved. While the outcome could not bring her back, it allowed her family, friends, and the larger Salamanca community to begin the grieving process with certainty rather than uncertainty. The tragedy underscored the dangers that children face near natural bodies of water, highlighting the importance of vigilance, safety measures, and community awareness. As the news settled over Salamanca, hearts collectively mourned the loss of a bright young life that had been full of promise, innocence, and potential, leaving a lasting imprint on the hearts of all who knew and loved Dulce Victoria.
