Man Drowns in Yuma

Date: January 13, 2010

Subject: Drowning

Contact: Mike Erfert, Public Information Officer

Release: For Immediate Release

On January 13, 2010 at 2:15 pm, Yuma Fire Department personnel responded to the river area under the Ocean to Ocean bridge regarding a possibly drowning. The call for assistance came from the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office, who was also responding to the area. Rescue personnel were told that an adult male had been swimming, went under water, and did not come back to the surface.

Firefighters in water rescue gear began searching in the immediate area and were joined by additional YFD swift water rescue team members a short time later. As YFD dive team members were preparing to enter the water, a YCSO observer on the Ocean to Ocean bridge saw the victim in approximately five feet of water and directed YFD team members to the location.

The victim, who had been underwater for approximately 45 minutes, was removed from the river and transported to Yuma Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. The name of the victim has not been released. The drowning is being investigated by the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office.

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Mike Erfert
Public Information Officer