Man’s body pulled from American River in Sacramento County
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
A man in his 30s drowned in the American River on Sunday afternoon, prompting a full emergency response from Sacramento Metro Fire and marking the third drowning incident the department has responded to this year.
A person walking along the trail near the river noticed what appeared to be a body floating in the water and called 911.
“This was a full response for multiple boats, jet skis, our helicopter. Our helicopter was able to confirm that we did have a body in the water,” Sacramento Metro Fire District Captain Mark Nunez said.
The incident left hikers in the area shaken.
“Not what I was expecting when I was coming out here. Like I wasn’t expecting to see anything. I mean anything like that. So just, shocking I guess,” said Gwynndolyn Hansen, who was walking along the American River.
Nikki Hansen, who was also walking along the river, reflected on the tragedy.
“[…] to hear this tragic story is just so heartbreaking,” she said.
Sacramento Metro Fire officials said there is no suspicion of foul play in the drowning.
“Looked like he might have been just out for a hike along the trails along here. No type of a water vessel or a kayak or a raft or anything of that nature,” Nunez said.
Officials said the victim was wearing full clothing, including shoes, and had a backpack on when fire crews pulled him from the water.
“That was part of the reason we were able, actually able to get him out was being able to hook him with that backpack to bring him up,” Nunez said.
Officials noted that drownings are not common in this part of the Arden-Arcade area.
“This is our third drowning for, metro fire. In the region. Obviously a few more, but I don’t know the exact total,” Nunez said.
“Just to have a tragedy and you don’t really know what happened. It’s really kind of unnerving,” Nikki Hansen said.
The victim has not yet been identified, according to officials. Sacramento Metro Fire is urging people to always wear life jackets when entering the river.
The man’s death is under investigation by Sacramento County Park rangers.