Man seen swinging on rope over water vanishes in river, California sheriff says
UPDATE: A body believed to be the missing man was found at about 11:20 a.m. Sunday, July 27, in the Russian River, the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office said in an updated news release. The original story is below: A search continues for a man last seen jumping off a rope after swinging over the Russian River in Northern California, sheriff’s officials reported.
The man failed to resurface after falling into the water near the Hacienda Bridge at about 5:30 p.m Saturday, July 26, the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.
Deputies and firefighters searched for the missing man but could not find him, the sheriff’s office said. A California Highway Patrol helicopter also assisted in the search.
The man is now presumed dead and a search for his body continues, deputies said.
Two people drowned in the Russian River on the same day on July 13, McClatchy News previously reported.
The Russian River is about a 140-mile drive northwest from Sacramento.
What to know about drowning
At least 4,000 people die from drowning every year in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and drowning is a leading cause of death for children.
Some factors can make drowning more likely, including not knowing how to swim, a lack of close supervision, not wearing a life jacket and drinking alcohol while recreating near or in water.
The National Drowning Prevention Alliance said there are tips to help keep you safe in the water, including checking local weather conditions, never swimming alone and choosing the right equipment.
“Don’t hesitate to get out of the water if something doesn’t feel right,” the group said on its website. “Whether it’s that the current is getting rough, rain has started to fall, or your body is just not responding like you would like it to due to fatigue or muscle cramps, then just leave and return to the water another day. It’s always a good thing to trust your instincts.”
This story was originally published July 27, 2025 at 2:13 PM with the headline "Man seen swinging on rope over water vanishes in river, California sheriff says."