Update: Man who drowned in San Joaquin River identified as Fresno man
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- A man drowned in the San Joaquin River after entering water near Highway 99.
- The victim was found submerged for 30 minutes and lacked swimming ability.
- Fresno County deputies urged life jackets, supervision, and water awareness.
A man drowned Saturday afternoon in the San Joaquin River, deputies said.
Fresno County Sheriff Lt. Brent Stalker said a man entered the water around 5:15 p.m. at Highway 99 and Herndon Avenue and did not resurface.
The sheriff’s helicopter circled the area and found the man under water. Stalker said the man was submerged for 30 minutes and lacked swimming ability.
The water was at least six feet deep, Stalker said.
Emergency personnel got the man out of the water and was taken to the hospital where he died, Stalker said.
He was identified by Wednesday as as 47-year-old Eric Torres of Fresno.
He was with a group of people and it’s unknown if he separated from the group before drowning.
He wasn’t wearing a life jacket, Stalker said.
The Sheriff’s Office offers the following safety tips:
▪ Stay out of the water if you do not know how to swim.
▪ If you are going to get into the water, always wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket.
▪ Make sure the jacket fits you properly and it is fully fastened with the zipper and/or buckles.
▪ Wear appropriate swim attire.
▪ Parents should watch their children at all times.
▪ Understand that when it’s hot outside you will get tired faster than usual. Also avoid consuming alcohol.
▪ Respect the water. The temperature of the water remains cold, and the current is often stronger than it appears. There can be debris in the water, which is difficult to see and may cause hazardous situations for swimmers.
▪ Be careful of mud and plants on the bottom of lakes and rivers, it’s easy to sink in some spots and get your feet stuck or tangled.
▪ Also, use your feet to feel for drop off spots. River and lake bottoms can dramatically change from shallow to deep in a short distance.
This story was originally published July 19, 2025 at 7:32 PM.
