After two days of desperate searching, heartbreak struck the community of Salamanca: 10-year-old Dulce Victoria, who fell into the Lerma River last Thursday, was found dead. Hopes of a miracle were crushed by the discovery, leaving the town grieving.

In an official statement, the Salamanca Municipal Government confirmed the tragic news:
“The body of a 10-year-old girl who fell into the Lerma River in the Pitayo community was found on Saturday morning.”

The government extended its deepest condolences to Dulce’s family, saying, “We regret this painful outcome and stand in full support of her loved ones. We remain committed to responding with compassion and responsibility in situations that impact our community.”

The entire community expressed thanks to Liborio Vázquez and his Salamanca Rescue Brigade, who worked tirelessly to recover Dulce’s body. Teams from surrounding towns—including Irapuato, Pueblo Nuevo, and Huanímaro—as well as divers, firefighters, the Red Cross, and state and local emergency crews, all took part in the search effort.

What Happened to Dulce Victoria

The nightmare began around 3:15 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, when emergency services were alerted to a child clinging to a tree in the middle of the river. The boy told rescuers that he and Dulce had been playing near the water when both were swept in by the current. While he managed to grab onto a tree and hold on until help arrived, Dulce was carried away by the river’s powerful flow.

Despite a massive, around-the-clock search, her body was recovered Saturday morning.

The community now mourns the loss of a joyful young girl whose life was taken far too soon.