BODEGA BAY, CALIF. — A family from Northern California is reeling from a devastating loss as two teenage brothers and their father are presumed lost at sea after a tragic boating accident off the coast of Bodega Bay. The heartbreaking incident comes nearly seven years after the boys survived a mass shooting that shocked their hometown.
From Survival to Heartbreak: A Family’s Double Tragedy
On November 2, a group of six boaters, including three adults and three children, set out for a crabbing trip on a 21-foot white Bayliner. The group, who had been enjoying a day on the water, was reported missing later that evening after failing to return to shore. Authorities launched a search off the coast of Sonoma County, north of San Francisco, but the outcome was grim.
The following day, the body of 17-year-old Johnny Phommathep II washed ashore. His 14-year-old brother, Jake, and their father, Johnny Phommathep Sr., 41, are still missing and presumed dead. The family hails from Tehama County, roughly 180 miles north of Bodega Bay, a small coastal town known for its fishing and crabbing activities.
A Heroic Father and Beloved Community Member
Johnny Phommathep Sr., a U.S. Air Force veteran who served in Iraq, was well-known in his community for his dedication and bravery. He volunteered as a firefighter, embodying a spirit of service that extended far beyond his military career. His wife, Tiffany Phommathep, described him as a “great, great dad” whose strength and love were the backbone of their family.
Speaking to local news outlet KTVU-TV, Tiffany shared the deep pain of losing her husband and sons. “It’s beyond painful,” she said. “They’ve been through so much. My boys survived gunshot wounds during a mass shooting, only for us to face this tragedy now.”
Remembering the 2017 Rancho Tehama Shooting
In November 2017, Johnny II and Jake were just children — 10 and 6 years old, respectively — when they were caught in the middle of a mass shooting in their rural hometown of Rancho Tehama Reserve. The boys were on their way to school with their mother, Tiffany, when a neighbor went on a violent rampage, shooting indiscriminately throughout the community.
Tiffany and her two sons were struck by bullets as they sat in their car. Despite their injuries, all three survived the horrifying attack, which left five people dead, including the gunman, and injured 14 others. The Phommathep family’s resilience in the face of such trauma became a symbol of hope and healing for the small, tight-knit community.
In an interview following the mass shooting, Tiffany recalled the terrifying moment when she shielded her boys from the bullets. “I took five bullets trying to protect them,” she said. “We made it through that together. We thought we had left that nightmare behind.”
Tragedy Strikes Again in Bodega Bay
Nearly seven years after surviving the mass shooting, the Phommathep family is now facing another unspeakable loss. The crabbing trip to Bodega Bay was intended to be a day of relaxation and bonding, but it quickly turned into a search and rescue operation when the boat failed to return. The rough waters off the coast of Sonoma County are notorious for their unpredictable conditions, and it appears the small vessel was no match for the choppy seas.
Authorities launched an extensive search effort, combing the waters and coastline for any signs of the missing boaters. By November 3, the body of Johnny Phommathep II was discovered washed up on the shore. The Coast Guard and local rescue teams continue to search for Jake and their father, Johnny Sr., but hopes of finding them alive are dwindling.
A Mother’s Unimaginable Pain
Tiffany Phommathep, already a survivor of immense trauma, is now grappling with an unimaginable reality. She spoke to reporters with a heavy heart, reflecting on the incredible hardships her family has faced. “My boys, they’ve been through so much,” she said tearfully. “To survive a mass shooting and then face this — it’s more than anyone should have to endure.”
Despite her grief, Tiffany expressed gratitude for the community’s support and the efforts of the search teams. “I know they’re doing everything they can,” she said. “My husband was a hero in every sense of the word. He was a veteran, a firefighter, and the best father to our boys.”
Community Rallies Around the Phommathep Family
In the wake of the tragedy, the Tehama County community has come together to support the Phommathep family. Friends, neighbors, and fellow firefighters have organized vigils and set up fundraisers to help Tiffany navigate the difficult road ahead. The local fire department, where Johnny Sr. volunteered, has pledged to honor his legacy of service and bravery.
“The Phommathep family has been through more than most of us can imagine,” said a friend of the family. “We can’t bring them back, but we can support Tiffany and show her that she’s not alone in this.”
A Legacy of Resilience
The story of the Phommathep family is one of profound resilience. From surviving a mass shooting to enduring the loss of loved ones at sea, their journey has been marked by both tragedy and incredible strength. As the search for Jake and Johnny Sr. continues, the family remains in the hearts and minds of those who have followed their story.
For Tiffany, the loss is beyond comprehension, yet she draws strength from the memories of her husband and the love they shared. “He was everything to us,” she said. “My boys, they’re his legacy. I just hope they know how much he loved them.”
In a statement issued late Friday, the Coast Guard indicated that search efforts would continue but acknowledged the challenges posed by the rough seas and harsh weather conditions. As the community holds out hope for a miracle, the Phommathep family’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the power of a family’s love in the face of unimaginable adversity.
