Update at 10:15 A.M. The Madera County Sheriff's Office reports the victim from yesterday’s drowning at Bass Lake has been positively identified as 43 year old Kien Phan (M) from Sachse, Texas.
July 3, 2019 - The Madera County Sheriff's Office reports the identity of the drowning victim from Tuesday’s incident at Bass Lake will be released on Wednesday following positive identification and additional notifications by the Coroner’s Office.
While visiting Bass Lake from Texas, the victim and his family rented a boat from a local marina. 5 female children ranging in age from 5 to 13 were being pulled on a tube by the boat. A 12 year old child fell off the tube into the lake. It appeared to the family that the child was descending under water, despite wearing a life jacket.
Her father, the victim in this case, jumped into the water, swam out to her, and pushed his daughter back towards the boat. He was not wearing a life jacket, and was overcome by the rough water conditions of the lake. The child attempted to assist her father but was not able to reach him. The mother also jumped from the boat in an attempt to help him. A life preserver was thrown into the water by another child, but he was unable to reach it. The victim was overcome and disappeared into the water.
MCSO boat patrol deputies responded to the area near the Lakeside Amphitheater about 5:15 PM and started searching. Sierra Ambulance Service and CALFIRE responded to the area to provide emergency medical aid. California Highway Patrol also dispatched helicopter H-40 to assist. Additional resources included a Remotely Piloted Vehicle by SAR Personnel, as well as multiple SAR and COP volunteers.
The victim was located underwater by Boat Patrol and SAR Rope Team members shortly after 6:00 PM. Life saving measures were performed by EMS and deputies at the scene but were not successful.
The circumstances of the drowning remain under investigation. At this time, it does not appear as though alcohol, drugs, or equipment were a factor in the incident. “All appearances are this was a tragic accident where one family member assisting another was overcome by wave action and water temperature,” stated Sheriff Varney. “We urge everyone who is enjoying any California waterways over the 4th of July holiday to safeguard themselves against the continuing low water temperatures through limiting time in the water, and use of a PFD or life jacket where necessary.”
If anyone has information relating to this case, please contact the Madera County Sheriff’s Office at (559) 675-7770.
Source: Madera County Sheriff's Office
