[Update: 3:00 p.m., January 3, 2026]
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office announced that an adult male has died after being swept into Maria Ygnacio Creek on Saturday, January 3, 2026.
Multiple public safety agencies responded to a storm-related water rescue on North San Marcos Road at approximately 11:58 a.m. Family members called 911 to report that an adult male had been swept into Maria Ygnacio Creek.
Fire personnel and law enforcement immediately responded, including Santa Barbara County Fire Department, Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, Santa Barbara County Air Support, and Ventura County Air Support.
“Despite an extensive and coordinated search effort under hazardous conditions, the man was located at approximately 1:50 p.m. He was found deceased in the creek near the intersection of San Marcos Road and Via Parva. The victim’s identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin,” the Sheriff’s Office stated.
With heavy rain continuing across the region, the Sheriff’s Office urges the public to stay clear of creeks, rivers, drainage channels, and other waterways. Water levels can rise rapidly and currents may be stronger than they appear.
Do not attempt to cross flooded roads or walk near swollen creeks. If you encounter a flooded roadway or hazardous water conditions, turn around – don’t drown.
— Original Post —
Emergency responders are on the scene of a water rescue off N. San Marcos Road in Santa Barbara on Saturday, January 3, 2026.
At 11:59 a.m., Santa Barbara County Firefighters and Santa Barbara County Search & Rescue launched a large scale response to a report of a man being swept away by Maria Ygnacio Creek.
The Santa Barbara County Fire Department confirmed one male victim was last seen stranded in creek. Multiple units on scene searching for victim.
Emergency responders are stationed near 1162 N. San Marcos Road near Goleta and Santa Barbara, according to the PulsePoint app. An Air Support helicopter has been dispatched.
Santa Barbara County Public Works announced N. San Marcos Road at Via Los Santos has been closed due to the emergency rescue operation.
This is a developing story. Additional details will be added here as they’re available.
ROAD CLOSURE: N. San Marcos Road at Via Los Santos due to a @sbcsar operation. pic.twitter.com/bpuRJBPDmK
— COSB Public Works (@COSBPublicWorks) January 3, 2026
[Ed Note: This article has been edited to include updated information provided by the Sheriff’s Office]
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Helicopters from SBCFD and VCFD were flying at low level along the creek, searching for anyone being swept downstream, but have now departed. Still at least a dozen units deployed on the ground.
Oh no, still? I hope he is found safe.
Victim found deceased, in creek. RIP
Ran across this, but was confused to the times referenced in this article?
https://keyt.com/news/top-stories/2026/01/03/search-and-rescue-underway-for-missing-person-in-maria-ygnacio-creek/
…maybe a typo but prior to <"2:00 p.m."? Caleb Nguyen – one for the win (sp?) column (or something like that hard to tell)