Salinas teen dies near Gorge in Big Sur; area closed due to dangerous river conditions.

A teenager from Salinas died while swimming near the Gorge, a popular swimming hole in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, on Saturday afternoon, March 7. DJ Neo Gallardo was a 17-year-old student at Everett Alvarez High School.

California State Parks rangers and lifeguards, Big Sur Fire, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team and the California Highway Patrol responded to a call around midday from a man camping at the park who said his daughter saw someone struggling to swim in the stream, according to Mike Dippel, chief ranger for the California State Parks Monterey District.

Gallardo was alone downstream from the Gorge toward Weyland Campground, crossing a rapid area below the main pool where people often gather during the summer months.

“The water flow is pretty high right now with the winter runoff,” Dippel says. "It’s really not safe for people who don't have rock climbing, river rapid experience. The water temperature is also very cold and hasn’t heated up yet.”

An off-duty firefighter was reportedly at the scene and began trying to rescue Gallardo. Responders arrived and were able to extricate Gallardo from the water and provide life-saving measures before he was pronounced dead at 1:54pm.

It is still unknown what led to the incident, Dippel says, and authorities are investigating the cause.

State Parks officials decided to close the Gorge this week and potentially into the weekend of March 14-15 because of dangerous, high water flows and continued warm weather, which is forecast to reach the high 70s later this week.  

“It’s just way different than it will be this time than during August,” Dippel says. “Right now, you have rapids and 55-degree water flowing strong. There is a safety component to this, and this is a dangerous time of year.”

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to support Gallardo’s family with funeral and memorial expenses.

“DJ was a young man full of life, joy and happiness. His energy and laughter could light up any room, and he had a way of bringing people together wherever he went,” according to the fundraising message.

“One of his favorite things to do was dancing and karaoke with the people he loved, filling the room with laughter, music and unforgettable moments. He also had a passion for playing basketball and enjoyed exploring new places and making memories along the way. DJ lived life with curiosity and excitement, always ready for the next adventure.”