Stockton Mother Missing After Dune Buggy Crash in Canal

Community joins search for Lupita Lizbeth Zuniga Ontiveros, who disappeared after telling her sister she was going out with friends.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 1:47am

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A Stockton mother, Lupita Lizbeth Zuniga Ontiveros, remains missing after a dune buggy she was riding in crashed into a canal in Merced County last week. Her family, friends, and community members have been searching for her since she disappeared on January 26th. The driver of the dune buggy, Elixandro Naranjo Miranda, 21, allegedly fled the scene before authorities arrived but has since been arrested.

Why it matters

The disappearance of Lupita Zuniga Ontiveros has deeply impacted her family and the local community, who have come together in a massive search effort to try and find her. Her sister Judith says Lupita was a friendly and caring person who loved her 18-month-old daughter, and the community is rallying to support the family during this difficult time.

The details

According to the California Highway Patrol, the dune buggy Lupita was riding in entered the Delta-Mendota Canal near State Route 140 at around 10 mph on January 28th, with poor visibility due to darkness and dust. While the other passengers were able to reach the canal bank, Lupita remains unaccounted for. The Merced County Sheriff's Office is currently not allowing divers to search the canal due to dangerous conditions, but Lupita's sister says a diver has volunteered to take the risk.

  • On January 26th, Lupita told her sister Judith that she was going out with friends and would be home by 12.
  • On January 28th, just after midnight, the Merced Communications Center received a call about a dune buggy entering the Delta-Mendota Canal.
  • The search for Lupita has been ongoing since she went missing on January 26th.

The players

Lupita Lizbeth Zuniga Ontiveros

A Stockton mother who remains missing after a dune buggy crash in Merced County.

Judith Zuniga Ontiveros

Lupita's sister, who is pleading for the community's help in finding her.

Elixandro Naranjo Miranda

The 21-year-old who was allegedly driving the dune buggy when it crashed into the canal, and who fled the scene before authorities arrived.

Ana Ontiveros

Lupita's mother, who was seen crying in a TikTok video that prompted community members to join the search.

Deylani

Lupita's 18-month-old daughter, who is waiting for her mother to return home.

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What they’re saying

“If you're out there, Lupita…I really miss you. The baby's waiting for you. She's waiting for you to come back home to dance her to sleep like how you always did. I just want justice.”

— Judith Zuniga Ontiveros, Lupita's sister

“We found out through social media and came out just to support the family and to help them any way we can, and if it was our family in this situation, we'd appreciate it.”

— Maria Ortega

“I feel if it's my daughter in that situation, I can't imagine how I feel…I wish and I pray to God they can find Lupita soon.”

— Miguel Cornejo

What’s next

The Merced County Sheriff's Office is currently not allowing divers to search the canal due to dangerous conditions, but Lupita's sister says a diver has volunteered to take the risk and is hoping the authorities will give him permission to do so.

The takeaway

This heartbreaking case highlights the importance of community support and the determination of loved ones to find missing persons, even in the face of obstacles. The search for Lupita Zuniga Ontiveros has brought together strangers who want to help, underscoring the power of empathy and the human desire to provide comfort in times of crisis.