Fresno rivers remain closed; sheriff investigators continue probe into children’s drownings

With the drownings of a brother and sister in the Kings River on their minds, public safety leaders from three counties Thursday warned Central California residents to stay away from the Kings and San Joaquin rivers during the Memorial Day weekend.

The fast-moving rivers, full of icy water from a historic snowpack in the Sierra Nevada, claimed the lives of Victoria Barajas, 8, and her brother, Santiago, 4, on Sunday. At a news conference several miles from where the tragedy took place, Fresno County Sheriff John Zanoni said the Kings was closed to all recreation.

The closure was in effect for Fresno, Tulare, and Kings counties along the Kings River, and the rules also apply along the San Joaquin River in Fresno and Madera counties. Zanoni urged residents to enjoy the water at Millerton and Pine Flat lakes, or at area water parks. Violators could be cited with fines that could cost several hundred dollars. Zanoni said the dangerous conditions will likely continue for several months.

Zanoni said the investigation into the deaths of the children is continuing, and it has not been determined whether anyone will face charges in the case. The mother of the siblings reportedly told investigators that the family was trying to reach a rock in the river when the current carried Victoria and Santiago away.

However, Zanoni made reference to cases where a parent could be held responsible if their child died after running across a busy freeway, and noted that the river is also a hazard. The sheriff’s office Wednesday asked any witnesses who were in the area Sunday to contact investigators.

Whether any charges would be placed against the mother or anyone else would ultimately be the decision of District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp, after she receives the results of the sheriff’s investigation.

Fresno Police Chief Paco Balderrama said the drownings of Victoria and Santiago Barajas Sunday hit him especially hard.

“They were about the age of my boys,” he noted. “Please stay away from canals and rivers.”

Reedley Beach, always a popular recreational holiday destination, also is closed because of the dangerous water moving along the Kings, said Reedley Police Chief Joe Garza. That goes as well for the city’s other water park, Cricket Hollow.

Said Dustin Hale, of Cal Fire:

“We have not seen this in decades. (The water) looks tempting, but the temperatures are in the low 50s. That impairs your ability to breathe.

“You not only put yourself at risk, but rescue teams, as well.”

This story was originally published May 25, 2023 at 6:17 PM.