Father Finds Missing Phelan Teen Jose Cardona Jr. in California Aqueduct; Officials Investigate Amid Pattern of Local Aqueduct Deaths
The body of 19‑year‑old Jose Cardona Jr., missing since Nov. 24, was found Tuesday morning in the California Aqueduct near Olivine and Caughlin roads in Phelan; emergency crews recovered the remains and an autopsy is pending.
- Discovery: Cardona’s body was located by his father in the California Aqueduct near Olivine Rd. and Caughlin Rd., and recovered Tuesday morning.
- Response: Multiple agencies — including the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and fire crews — assisted with recovery efforts.
- Family: Relatives launched a GoFundMe to help cover funeral and related costs.
- Context: The recovery comes amid several recent aqueduct deaths in the Victor Valley area, prompting public concern and calls for information.
Discovery and recovery
According to local reporting, Jose Cardona Jr. was found by his father Tuesday morning in the California Aqueduct near Olivine Road and Caughlin Road in Phelan. Emergency responders — including the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, county fire units, the California Highway Patrol and the Department of Water Resources — assisted in recovering the body.
Source: VVNG — “Body of missing 19‑year‑old pulled from aqueduct in Phelan Tuesday morning”
What investigators say and what remains unconfirmed
First responders reported the recovery involved firefighters using a rope; the body displayed signs consistent with a relatively short period in the water. An autopsy was pending at the time of the report. Officials continue to investigate and have asked anyone with information to come forward.
“Investigators worked at the scene and recovery was assisted by multiple agencies; autopsy results will inform next steps.”
Public records and news searches did not corroborate some initial tips that described a separate March 16 recovery near Johnson Road or a March 11 Llano search. The only widely reported, verified recovery in recent weeks in Phelan remains the discovery of Jose Cardona Jr. by his father. Readers with new information are urged to contact authorities.
Details on Cardona’s disappearance and family actions
Cardona was last seen on Nov. 24. Family members and neighbors organized searches, distributed flyers and pursued community-led efforts in the weeks following his disappearance. Relatives said he had a prior cancer history and had been facing mental‑health challenges; the family reported he stopped taking psychiatric medication days before he vanished.
To help cover funeral and related expenses, the family established a GoFundMe page.
Other recent aqueduct recoveries in Victor Valley
Local reporting documents several recent deaths tied to the aqueduct system in the Victor Valley area. In November 2024, two other recoveries were reported: a 16‑year‑old Hesperia resident, Rebecca Gutierrez, and a 69‑year‑old Hesperia resident, Supranee Poolswasdi — both located in the aqueduct system. VVNG has compiled multiple instances in its coverage and tag pages.
A separate, unrelated incident — a vehicle into the California Aqueduct near Patterson in which a teen was found downstream — received national coverage.
How authorities want the public to help
Officials ask anyone with information to contact the Victor Valley Sheriff’s Station at (760) 552‑6800. Anonymous tips may be submitted to WeTip at (844) 909‑3096. Clear, specific leads help investigators sort through conflicting accounts and speed closure for families.
Implications for Hesperia and practical steps
Economic impact
The family’s GoFundMe highlights immediate financial strain from sudden loss, including funeral costs and lost work time. Repeated search-and-recovery operations also draw on county budgets through overtime and equipment expenses.
Political consequences
Multiple aqueduct recoveries can intensify calls for visible public-safety measures, increased patrols, improved fencing and signage, and clearer coordination among county and state agencies. Local officials may face questions at public meetings about prevention and resource allocation.
Social effects and mental‑health spotlight
Community grief and volunteer fatigue are concerns as neighbors and families repeatedly mobilize. Reports that Cardona struggled with mental health and stopped medication before his disappearance underscore a need for accessible crisis services and local outreach.
Practical applications for residents
- Treat the aqueduct as a dangerous, restricted area and secure property near waterways.
- Talk to teens about risks and watch for signs of mental-health crises.
- Report trespassing or suspicious activity to the Victor Valley Sheriff’s Station at (760) 552‑6800 or WeTip at (844) 909‑3096.
Sources and further reading
If you have verified information about this case or other aqueduct incidents, contact Victor Valley Sheriff’s Station at (760) 552‑6800 or submit an anonymous tip to WeTip at (844) 909‑3096.
