FRESNO COUNTY, CA — A relaxing Sunday afternoon turned tragic after a man in his 30s drowned in the Kings River near Winton Park, marking the fifth drowning in a Fresno County waterway so far in 2025.
Authorities with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that emergency crews responded to a call around 4:10 p.m. on Sunday, August 3, after witnesses reported seeing a man struggling in the water and disappearing beneath the surface. Bystanders at the scene near Winton Park — a popular recreational area along the Kings River — immediately called 911 when the man failed to resurface.
Deputies, firefighters, and dive teams arrived quickly and began a coordinated search effort. After several tense hours, the victim’s body was located and recovered from the river. His identity has not yet been released pending notification of family, but authorities say he was a man in his 30s and a resident of the Central Valley.
Witnesses told investigators that the man had been wading and swimming in the river with friends when the current suddenly pulled him into deeper waters. Despite attempts from others to help, the strength of the current made rescue efforts nearly impossible in the moment. He was not wearing a life jacket at the time.
The drowning marks the fifth water-related death in Fresno County in 2025 — a sobering statistic that underscores the ongoing dangers present in local rivers and waterways, particularly during the summer months when water levels remain deceptively strong due to snowmelt runoff from the Sierra Nevada.
The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office issued a renewed warning to the public on Sunday evening: “The rivers may look calm on the surface, but the undercurrents are fast-moving and unpredictable. Even strong swimmers can be overwhelmed. We urge everyone to wear life vests and stay in designated, safe areas.”
Local officials also reminded the public that many sections of the Kings River, especially those near bridges and deeper bends like Winton Park, can change rapidly due to fluctuating dam releases, sediment build-up, and shifting channels.
The Kings River Conservancy, a nonprofit dedicated to river safety and conservation, shared condolences to the family and emphasized the importance of education and prevention. “We are heartbroken by this loss. Our mission continues to be keeping the community safe and informed. This tragedy is a reminder of how powerful nature can be,” a spokesperson said.
As the investigation continues, the Sheriff’s Office is working with the Fresno County Coroner’s Office to determine the official cause of death and complete identification.
The community is left grieving another preventable tragedy — one that highlights the delicate balance between enjoying the natural beauty of the Central Valley and respecting the risks that come with it.
A memorial is expected to be organized by the victim’s loved ones in the coming days. Meanwhile, authorities urge everyone planning to visit rivers, lakes, and swimming holes in the region to take proper safety precautions, including checking conditions, avoiding alcohol while swimming, and never going into the water alone.
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