Efren Sandoval Missing Person Case

Efren Ramirez Sandoval, a 14-year-old Hispanic male, went missing on January 10, 1983, near the U.S.-Mexico border in San Diego, California. Efren was last seen attempting to cross the Tijuana River into the United States when he was swept away by strong currents. Despite search efforts, his body has never been recovered, and he is presumed to have drowned in the river. He was approximately 5'4" to 5'7" in height and weighed between 145 and 165 pounds at the time of his disappearance. Notably, he had a tattoo on his left inner arm and a scar over his right eye.

Efren's disappearance occurred during an attempted migration from Mexico to the U.S., a route that, even in the early 1980s, posed significant dangers due to unpredictable water currents and lack of safety measures in certain crossing areas. His case remains unsolved, and although he has been missing for over four decades, authorities have not located his remains. His disappearance is categorized as a missing migrant case, and it is still an active investigation under the San Diego Police Department.

No dental or fingerprint records are available, which has complicated identification efforts. There has been no substantial new information about his case over the years, but it continues to be listed in national missing persons databases such as NamUs.
Last Seen: Jan 10, 1983

Missing Person / NamUs #MP9456 | NamUs

Efren Sandoval | International Missing Persons Wiki - Fandom

International Missing Persons Wiki:California - Fandom