Missing deaf girl dies after being pulled from canal
A missing girl found unconscious in a canal near Prosser on Friday has died.
The Benton County Sheriff’s Office said Saturday that the 7-year-old who was pulled from the irrigation canal was taken to a local hospital, but did not survive, according to a news release.
Destiny Vargas, who identified herself online as the girl’s aunt, said the girl’s name was Isabella and she was deaf.
Deputies were called about 1:20 p.m. Friday about a girl missing from her home on the 130000 block of Taylor Road.
When they arrived they began a search of the property and the surrounding area. They brought in drones and K-9 teams, but the girl was not found, said the sheriff’s office.
The home is in a rural area outside Prosser is near Sunnyside Valley Irrigation District canals that have started filling with water for the irrigation season.
About an hour later a call came in from an irrigation district employee who reported seeing a person in the water two miles from the house.
Deputies spotted the girl floating face down in the water, and one jumped in to pull her to the bank.
Officers began lifesaving measures until medical personnel arrived and could take her to Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland.
The Benton County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit along with the Benton County Coroner’s Office is investigating.
A GoFundMe was set up by Vargas to help cover funeral expenses and to help reunite Isabella’s siblings with relatives. The post said state Child Protective Services had taken the children from their father’s care.
Vargas told the Tri-City Herald that Isabella and her parents are deaf. Her family wants to ensure they have the help they need.
She said they hope to raise enough money to cover funeral costs, as well as reunite the siblings under the care of their grandmother.
Vargas said the family will continue to advocate for the children and do whatever it takes to ensure they’re taken care of.
This story was originally published April 11, 2026 at 12:23 PM.
