BAKERSFIELD, CA — A week-long search for a Filipino American camper who disappeared while swimming in the Kern River has ended in tragedy. Authorities confirmed on July 24 that the body found near Hobo Campground in eastern Kern County is James Ashley Bawayan, a 35-year-old surgical technician from Chino Hills, California.
Bawayan was swept away by the river’s fast-moving currents on the evening of July 12 while camping with family and friends near Black Gulch, southwest of Lake Isabella. According to relatives, the group had visited the site every summer for the past four years. Witnesses said Bawayan jumped into the river to avoid a crowded swimming area, unaware of the unusually strong current.
“He’s the guy that leaves you with a lasting impression. Without him, it doesn’t feel right,” a relative told reporters.
Search and rescue teams scoured the area for days, assisted by volunteers and relatives. The family pleaded with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to temporarily reduce water flow from nearby Isabella Dam to aid search efforts. By mid-week, the operation shifted from rescue to recovery.
On July 19, a body was discovered near Hobo Campground. The Kern County Coroner’s Office formally identified the remains as Bawayan five days later. An autopsy is pending to determine the official cause of death.
A Life Remembered
Bawayan was described by friends and co-workers as generous, hardworking, and always full of life. He worked as a surgical technician at Kaiser Permanente in Riverside and was known for his warmth and humor. He had just attended a cousin’s wedding the day before the trip.
“He brought people together,” one friend wrote on social media. “We are devastated by this loss.”
A Cautionary Tragedy
The Kern River is known for its treacherous conditions, especially in the summer when snowmelt and dam releases can rapidly increase water flow. More than 300 people have drowned in the Kern River since 1968, according to local officials.
The Kern County Sheriff’s Office reiterated its warning to visitors: avoid entering the river without proper safety equipment and stay clear of areas with swift currents.
Community Mourning
Bawayan’s family expressed deep gratitude to the volunteers, first responders, and supporters who helped in the search. Tributes have poured in from fellow healthcare workers, the Filipino American community in Southern California, and friends across the state.
