May 11, 2024 - Stanislaus County Sheriff Department officals report on Thursday evening at about 6:30 p.m., a 911 call was received regarding a water rescue of several people in the San Joaquin River at Fisherman’s Bend near Crows Landing.

After arriving on the scene, deputies were told that Brenda Duran, a 30-year-old female, was at the river watching her children play in the water. When her eleven-year-old daughter began having difficulties keeping her head above the water, Duran jumped into the river to help her. While attempting to help her daughter, Duran also struggled to stay afloat. Duran’s fourteen-year-old son saw what was happening and jumped in the water to try and help them. Duran’s son and daughter safely made it out of the river, but Duran did not. The two juveniles were immediately given medical attention by ambulance personnel at the scene.

The Sheriff’s Office Air Unit, Modesto Police Department’s Air Unit, Sheriff’s Office Drone Team, Sheriff’s Office Special Vehicle Operations Unit, West Stanislaus County Fire Protection District, Patterson District Ambulance and AMR, Stanislaus County Fire Chaplains, Merced Sheriff’s Office, and Newman Police Department responded to the area and helped with the search. The search continued until about 11:00 p.m. but was paused due to visibility and safety concerns, but Sheriff’s patrol units remained at the scene throughout the night. The Sheriff’s Department Dive Team was activated this morning and continued the search.

The Sheriff’s Department Dive Team was activated this morning and continued the search. Duran was entered into the missing person’s database. The Sheriff’s Department will continue its search efforts to locate Duran.


Source: Stanislaus County Sheriff Department