Boat Fire Victims From Santa Cruz County: Toll Rises

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — They were local animal shelter volunteers, students, public servants, family members. Although the Santa Barbara County Coroner's Bureau has yet to release all names of the 34 people who died in the tragic boat fire off the California coast, more Santa Cruz County residents are being named as victims.

"It is with great sadness that we inform you that Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter (SCCAS) volunteer and contract Humane Educator Diana Adamic was on board the Conception diving boat that tragically caught fire last Monday," the shelter said in a statement. "Also on board were Diana’s daughter Tia, her friend Berenice and Diana’s husband, Steve Salika."

Salika was a senior manager at Apple, which is where he met Diana, according to a statement from the company. The family was reportedly celebrating Tia's 17th birthday with the Labor Day weekend diving trip.

Berenice Felipe was a schoolmate of Tia's. The two teens attended Pacific Collegiate School in Santa Cruz.

"Pacific Collegiate School is saddened by the tragic sinking of the diving vessel Conception over the weekend," the school posted on its website. "Please respect our need to gather as a school community, to respond privately, and to care for our students and families."

Former SCCAS humane educator Jen Walker said Adamic was kind and insightful, somehow both intense and humble, and above all authentic.

"Her compassionate, inquisitive nature and personal experiences drove her to seek innovated ways to make the community around her a better place," Walker said. "She was an ally to all living things — orphan kittens, wild birds, youth volunteers — and a champion for the natural world around us. She was always willing to ask the hard questions, even about herself, and move into action to make positive solutions happen.

"Her daughter Tia was an amazing young woman, filled with shy grace and the purest enthusiasm," Walker continued. "She helped care for foster kittens, brought human touch and company to homeless cats and dogs at the Shelter, and supported other youth in their journeys. Her dear friend Berenice was a model of gentle support for the animals and children she worked with at the Shelter. Her calm and easy-going manner was a true gift that she shared with us.

"These three stellar individuals were invaluable members of both the Shelter team and Santa Cruz. They will be deeply mourned but also celebrated," Walker said.

Also onboard the ill-fated boat was Soquel Creek Water District employee Vaidehi Campbell (also known as Vaidehi Williams), who had been with the utility for 18 years, most recently serving as the district's communications specialist.

"It is with immense grief that we let you know we've lost a beloved member of our work family," the district said in a statement. "Vai was a very special person, a valued member of our Soquel Creek Water District family, and a beautiful, kind soul. From all of us at the Soquel Creek Water District, our thoughts of peace and courage are with her family members now, who are taking this time to privately cope with this tragedy."

Kristina Finstad of Santa Cruz was also onboard the Conception, according to the coroner's bureau. Finstad was a former Santa Cruz city employee who worked in its Water Department from 2005 to 2015.

"The horrific incident is being felt deeply by our community," Santa Cruz Mayor Martine Watkins said in a statement. "We are in disbelief at what has happened and our hearts go out to the families of all of those who are waiting for news on their loved ones."