Man slips, possibly drowns in river
Published 12:00 am PDT Sunday, April 6, 2008
FAIR OAKS – A 23-year-man slipped from rocks on the American River shortly after 2 p.m. Saturday and is presumed to have drowned, according to Sacramento Metro Fire District Assistant Chief Mark Van Brunt.
Van Brunt was on the scene at the San Juan rapids area at about 4:30 p.m. Saturday. He said a rescue team rushed to the river after receiving a call for help. Divers subsequently were summoned to search under water, but were not successful.
Officials are not releasing the man's identity yet.
"He slipped off some rocks trying to hop them and get to some mud islands," Van Brunt said. The man was with a group of friends, who attempted to rescue the man, who was not an able swimmer. But the friends couldn't reach him.
Van Brunt said the group admitted they had been drinking at the river.
– Susan Ferriss
