SACRAMENTO, California — A man in his 30s drowned in the American River 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 on the trail near the river noticed what appeared to be a body floating in the water and called 911. “This was a full response from multiple boats, jet skis and our helicopter. Our helicopter was able to confirm that we had a body in the water,” said Sacramento Metro Fire District Capt. Mark Nunez. The incident left hikers in the area shocked. “It’s not what I expected when I came here. Like I didn’t expect to see anything. I mean like that. I guess it’s shocking,” said Gwynndolyn Hansen, who was walking along the American River. Nikki Hansen, who was also walking along the river, reflected on the tragedy. “[…] “Hearing this tragic story is very heartbreaking,” he said. Sacramento Metro fire officials said foul play is not suspected in the drowning. “It looked like he was just out walking the trails here. No type of boat, kayak, 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 to get him out, was being able to hook him up with that backpack to get him out,” Nunez said. Officials noted that drownings are not common in this part of the Arden-Arcade area. “This is our third drowning, stop, subway fire. In the region. Obviously a few more, but I don’t know the exact total,” Núñez said. “Just to have a tragedy and not really know what happened. It’s really a little disconcerting,” 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.
