5-Year-Old Girl Swept Into Sea ID'd; 'She Was My Little Princess,' Dad Says

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — The body of a missing girl who was swept away into the ocean in Laguna Beach was recovered Thursday, authorities said.

She was identified as 5-year-old Amada Mia Brown.

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Aaron Brown described his daughter as a bright child who loved life, ABC7 reported.

"She liked 'Moana,' she liked 'Frozen.' She was my little princess," he said.

Amada was with her mother and a sibling when a powerful wave swept the trio into the ocean from the shoreline near Treasure Island Beach about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Good samaritans entered the dangerous surf and rescued the mother and one child.

Amada's body was found a few days later after an extensive search at Christmas Cove, roughly a quarter-mile away from Treasure Island Beach, where she was lost.

"Amada was only five years old, but she filled every room she entered with joy, laughter, and light," family members wrote on GoFundMe. "She was a happy, cheerful, and loving little girl whose smile could brighten anyone's day. She was deeply loved by her mother, family, friends, and everyone fortunate enough to know her."

The GoFundMe campaign posted for the family has presently raised almost $6,000 out of a $30,000 goal.

"As we navigate this unimaginable grief, we are asking for support to help cover funeral and memorial expenses so that we can give Amada the beautiful and dignified farewell she deserves," the GoFundMe said. "No parent should ever have to face the loss of a child, and no family is ever truly prepared for the emotional and financial burden that follows such a tragedy."