After two agonizing days of relentless searching, the Salamanca community’s worst fears were confirmed: Dulce Victoria, the 10-year-old girl who tragically fell into the Lerma River last Thursday, was found lifeless. The devastating discovery has left the town in profound sorrow and disbelief.
The Salamanca Municipal Government officially announced the heartbreaking news on Saturday morning:
“This morning, the body of a 10-year-old girl who accidentally fell into the Lerma River in the community of Pitayo last Thursday was recovered.”
In a statement filled with sorrow, the municipal authorities extended their deepest condolences to Dulce’s family, saying:
“With heavy hearts, we mourn this tragic loss and stand in solidarity with the family during this incredibly painful time. We remain committed to acting with responsibility and compassion whenever our community faces hardship.”
The tireless efforts of Liborio Vázquez and his dedicated Salamanca Rescue Brigade were instrumental in bringing this tragic search to a close. Alongside numerous groups — including Municipal and State Civil Protection, specialized diving teams, the Salamanca Fire Department, the Red Cross, and rescue authorities from Irapuato, Pueblo Nuevo, and Huanímaro — they worked tirelessly in the search to find Dulce.
The Tragic Story Behind the Search
The alarm was raised around 3:15 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, when emergency services received reports of a child clinging desperately to a tree in the middle of the swift Lerma River.
After the rescue of a young boy, it became clear what had happened: he and Dulce Victoria had been playing near the riverbank when both were swept into the water. The boy managed to hold on and avoid being carried away by the strong current, but Dulce was swept downstream. From that moment, rescue teams launched an unyielding search, fueled by hope and determination — a hope that was tragically extinguished on Saturday morning.
