Man drowns while fishing in Merced River, according to sheriff’s office

The Merced County Sheriff’s Office recovered the body of a man who drowned while fishing along the Merced River in an area north of Livingston on Sunday.

At about 4 p.m., Merced County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the Merced River near McConnell State Recreation Area for a report of a person who was observed going under the water and not resurfacing, according to Deputy Michael Domingue.

Authorities said the man, believed to be 24 years old, was reportedly in the river fishing with friends when for unknown reasons, he went underwater and did not resurface. Deputies said the man was not wearing a life jacket at the time and it appears he was not able to swim.

The man’s friends were able to grab hold of him at one point but the situation became dangerous as the man began to pull them under the water.

“They attempted to rescue him but they were not successful,” said Domingue.

Members of the Merced County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team responded to the river and located the man within about 11 minutes in the area where he was last seen. Authorities said he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The man’s name has not been released pending notification of next of kin, according to deputies.

Domingue said people should exercise caution when swimming, floating or doing anything near the water as rivers are natural flowing waterways which contain underwater obstacles that can be dangerous.

“If you are not a strong swimmer, stay out of the water,” said Domingue.

According to authorities, even those who consider themselves strong swimmers are advised to wear a properly fitting life jacket.