74-year-old woman drowns after wading into Merced County river, authorities say

Merced County authorities have identified a woman who drowned last week, after wading into the Merced River.

According to Merced County Sheriff Deputy Michael Domingue, 74-year-old Maria Gloria Barretto Arroyo died of drowning after entering the Merced River near the Shaffer Bridge, north of the Winton area in Merced County on Sept. 8.

Deputies responded at about 1:30 p.m. on Sept. 8, to a report of a woman who appeared to drown in the water, according to Domingue. Authorities said family members removed the woman from the water and attempted CPR until Riggs Ambulance Service personnel and Cal Fire personnel responded to the scene to attempt life-saving measures.

Domingue said the woman was transported to an area hospital where she was later pronounced dead. According to deputies, it appears the woman waded into the river without a life jacket while enjoying the water and weather with family members.

Authorities said family members reported looking away for a short time and when they looked back, they observed the woman floating face down in the water.

“Once again we have a tragic incident of the water taking a life because they didn’t want to wear a life jacket,” said Domingue.

Deputies advise keeping an eye on people in the water and said it only takes a few seconds before someone is out of sight. Authorities also advise anyone going into the water to wear a life jacket.

“If you can’t swim or are not a strong swimmer, stay out,” said Domingue.