Salinas CA teen dies at swimming gap in Big Sur River Gorge

A teenager died Saturday at a popular swimming hole in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.

The death of D.J. Neo Gallardo, a 17-year-old basketball player who attended Everett Alvarez High School in Salinas, was confirmed Monday by the Monterey County Sheriff’s Department and mentioned on various social media postings.

Gallardo was found unresponsive in the Big Sur River Gorge within Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, about 47 miles north of the line separating San Luis Obispo and Monterey counties.

Rescue units got the call at about 1 p.m. for an “unknown incident that happened in the water” at the swimming hole.

“The individual was located in a rapid area of the Big Sur River below a swimming hole known as ‘The Gorge,’” Mike Dippel, chief ranger for the Monterey County State Park District, told The Tribune by text Monday.

“State Parks lifeguards and rangers provided emergency medical care but were unsuccessful in saving the victim unfortunately,” Dippel added.

Big Sur’s weather was mild, but the water levels were high and currents strong due to recent storms. Big ocean swells and high tide levels had been seen there for weeks, and those had claimed several lives earlier this year.

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park has no access to the ocean or shore.

A GoFundMe account has been set up to help pay for Gallardo’s funeral and memorial expenses. It had raised nearly $4,000 of a $10,000 goal as of midday Monday.

Salinas teen remembered for his ‘joyful spirit’

The GoFundMe announcement said the teen “lived life with curiosity and excitement, always ready for the next adventure. … His kindness, smile and joyful spirit touched so many lives.”

“D.J. 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,” the announcement said.

The teen loved “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.

The school district shared the “heartbreaking news that one of our students from Everett Alvarez High School passed away this weekend following an incident in the Big Sur area.

“The loss of a young life deeply affects a school community. Our hearts are with the student’s family, friends and loved ones as they navigate this unimaginable grief. This loss will be especially felt across” the college neighborhood. We know this information can be troublesome for a lot of all through the Salinas Union High School District. We maintain everybody who’s grieving in our ideas throughout this painful time.”

“D.J. was a remarkable playmaker on the junior varsity level, and his future was bright with potential,” a Facebook post by his basketball team said. “We will miss your confidence and energy on the court, D.J.”

This story was initially printed March 9, 2026 at 12:36 PM.