Woman dies after kayak overturns in Tomales Bay; boyfriend, dog rescued

Authorities say the woman slipped out of her life jacket during the incident.

Mar. 24, 2026 at 6:05am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 37-year-old woman from Los Angeles died on Saturday after her kayak overturned in Tomales Bay. Her boyfriend and his dog were rescued, but the woman was found floating face-down in the water and later pronounced dead at the hospital. The water in Tomales Bay was choppy with swells up to 3 feet high at the time of the incident.

Why it matters

Kayaking accidents in the Tomales Bay area are not uncommon, with the cold waters and unpredictable weather conditions posing risks to recreational boaters. This tragic incident highlights the importance of proper safety equipment and preparedness when engaging in water activities.

The details

According to the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office, the woman's boyfriend told authorities that she had slipped out of her life jacket during the incident. Responders brought the woman to shore and attempted to resuscitate her until paramedics arrived, but she was pronounced dead at the hospital. The boyfriend was airlifted to safety after being found treading water near the overturned kayak, and the couple's dog was also rescued by National Park Service personnel.

  • The incident occurred on Saturday, March 23, 2026.
  • The sheriff's helicopter responded to the call about the overturned kayak within 12 minutes, as it was already in the area to assist deputies with a stolen vehicle recovery.

The players

Brigitte Manspeaker

A 37-year-old woman from Los Angeles who died after her kayak overturned in Tomales Bay.

Sonoma County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and provided details about the rescue and recovery efforts.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The water in Tomales Bay, a narrow inlet northeast of Point Reyes, was choppy Saturday, with swells as high as 3 feet, the sheriff's statement said.”

— Sonoma County Sheriff's Office

What’s next

The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office is investigating the incident to determine the exact cause of the kayak overturning and the woman's death.

The takeaway

This tragic accident underscores the importance of wearing proper safety gear and being prepared for the unpredictable conditions when engaging in water activities, especially in areas known for their challenging environments like Tomales Bay.