DIXON, Calif. — Two teen boys were electrocuted while trying to rescue a dog that fell into an irrigation canal in Solano County on Monday.
Four teens, three boys and a girl, and a dog were walking along the Solano Irrigation District (SID) canal, near Dixon Avenue, just west of Interstate 80 in Dixon, just before 12:30 p.m., according to the Sheriff’s Office.
As the group walked across a metal bridge over the canal, the dog somehow fell into the water. Two of the boys, identified by the sheriff’s office as Jacob Hourmouzus,17, of Elk Grove and Jacob Schneider, 17, of Dixon, jumped in to rescue the dog.
Investigators say the boys were able to rescue the dog, but when they grabbed the bridge for support, they were electrocuted and unable to let go. After realizing what was happening, deputies say the third boy jumped into the water and was able to knock Hourmouzus and Schneider free from the bridge.
He was then able to pull both boys and the dog to the side of the levee while the girl called 911.
First responders arrived on scene shortly and both Hourmouzus and Schneider were taken to Kaiser Permanente in Vacaville; one by ambulance and the other by CHP helicopter. Sadly, both were pronounced dead at the hospital. The dog survived, according to the sheriff's office.
A crew with PG&E later de-energized the bridge, allowing investigators to check things out. So far, it has not been determined how the bridge became electrified. The Solano County Sheriff’s office is handling the investigation.
Locals who knew the boys say they had everlasting impacts on the lives of people they touched.
"He was such a great kid. He was an All-American kid. He loved life. He did all kinds of stuff. He's a hardworking kid. He would do anything for anybody," said Pat Burley, a family friend.
Others told ABC10 they were still trying to process this traumatic event.
"Shock and disbelief. It's just so horrible that could happen," said one Dixon resident.
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