LATHROP, CA – The community is mourning the loss of two Stockton residents who tragically drowned over the weekend in separate incidents in Lathrop. On Tuesday, July 22, 2025, the San Joaquin County Medical Examiner’s Office officially identified the victims as , Sea Sokhin age 43, and Chantha Hurm, age 41. Both individuals were confirmed to have drowned in what authorities are currently treating as accidental deaths.
While the precise cause and manner of death for both victims remain pending autopsy results, officials confirmed that the drownings occurred in local waterways on Saturday, July 19. Specific details about the locations or circumstances surrounding the incidents have not yet been disclosed to the public.
Limited Information, Ongoing Investigations
In separate statements, both the Lathrop Police Department and the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office have acknowledged that investigations are ongoing. Each agency is handling a separate case—Lathrop police are leading one drowning investigation, while the sheriff’s office is overseeing the other.
Authorities have refrained from confirming whether the drownings occurred at the same location or in connected waterways, citing the sensitivity of the case and the need to complete thorough inquiries. No foul play is suspected at this time, and both incidents are being treated as tragic accidents.
Despite the lack of public detail, officials have confirmed that emergency services responded swiftly to both incidents on Saturday after receiving distress calls from individuals near the waterways. Recovery operations followed, and both victims were later pronounced dead at the scene.
A Community in Grief
News of the drownings has devastated loved ones and sparked an outpouring of grief across the Stockton and Lathrop communities. Friends and relatives of Sea Sokhin and Chantha Hurm have described them as warm, family-oriented individuals who were known for their compassion and dedication to those around them.
Social media has since filled with condolences, shared memories, and calls for support. One post read, “Sea and Chantha were two of the most generous souls we’ve known. This is a heartbreaking loss, and our community is grieving with their families.”
Water Safety Awareness
The incident has reignited public concern about water safety in San Joaquin County, especially as summer temperatures continue to draw families and individuals to rivers, canals, and other natural water bodies for recreation.
Though officials have not released the specific locations of the drownings, some local advocacy groups are using the tragedy to urge the public to exercise caution near unsupervised or unregulated waterways.
A spokesperson from San Joaquin County Water Safety Coalition commented:
“Natural bodies of water can be deceivingly dangerous. Even strong swimmers can get caught in undercurrents, or become overwhelmed by fatigue, debris, or steep drop-offs. Our thoughts are with the families of these two individuals, and we encourage everyone to take extra precautions when enjoying local waterways.”
What Happens Next
As investigations continue, the families of Sea Sokhin and Chantha Hurm await answers from medical and law enforcement officials. Autopsy results from the San Joaquin County Medical Examiner’s Office will likely provide further clarity in the days ahead, though no specific timeline has been announced.
The Lathrop Police Department and San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office have asked that anyone who may have witnessed the incidents or who may have relevant information come forward to aid in the investigation.
Honoring Their Memory
Funeral and memorial arrangements for Sea Sokhin and Chantha Hurm are currently being planned by their families, who have requested privacy as they process the sudden and painful loss. Community members are expected to gather in the coming days for vigils and remembrance ceremonies to honor the lives of the two individuals.
As Lathrop and Stockton grieve, both cities are reminded of the fragility of life and the need to look out for one another—especially in the face of nature’s unpredictable dangers.
Rest in peace, Sea Sokhin and Chantha Hurm. You are gone too soon, but you will not be forgotten.
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