March 25, 2016 - The Madera County Sheriff Department reports shortly after 11:00 A.M. yesterday, the Sheriff’s Office was called regarding two people who had fallen into Lewis Creek in the Oakhurst area. Deputies responded and immediately went to the victims to try to stabilize them while rescue equipment was brought to the scene.

Deputies learned that a male and a female had been near the creek when the female fell into the water. The male then jumped in after her to try to rescue her. The rescue effort took several hours while rope systems were set up at the edge of the creek to pull the victims out of the fast-moving water. The 33 year old female was rescued from the water, but the 31 year old male passed away at the scene. The female victim was transported by an air ambulance to a hospital in Fresno. The names of the victims are not being released at this time; the Coroner’s Office is working to notify the male victim’s next of kin.

Over 20 personnel from the Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team, Cal-Fire, Sierra Ambulance, as well as an inmate work crew responded to assist. Yosemite Lakes Park Security also assisted the rescue effort by bringing sand bags to the scene to help divert water during the rescue effort. A Fresno Sheriff’s Office helicopter also responded and remained in the area in the event that they could assist. Rescue crews not only had to deal with the fast moving water, but also with high angle rock formations at the edge of the creek. High angle rope rescues combined with swift water areas are incredibly dangerous for everyone involved; the Madera County Search and Rescue Team as well as local Cal-Fire personnel train extensively for this type of mission.

This tragic incident is a grim reminder of the potential dangers in our waterways. While the scenery is often beautiful and inviting, people must remember that the fast moving water can be very lethal. Along with the danger of drowning, the incredible force generated by the water can easily thrust a person into large rocks and other objects present knocking them unconscious, and the water is often cold enough to cause hypothermia in a short amount of time.


Source: Madera County Sheriff Department















































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