AUBURN, Calif. — A family has lost two of their own after being swept away by the water in the Middle Fork of the American River in Auburn.
"It's tragic of course and sad, and it's not super surprising because the waters are really dangerous. And there's a lot of rocks down there, and a lot of places that you can get caught up if you're not in the right area," said Randy Masters, who was visiting the area from Sacramento.
Masters visits the popular area a few times a month, and he knows how dangerous it can be.
Cal Fire said the family was in the water at the beach area, and at some point, the water took them in. Multiple people saw them go under and called 911.
"We were able to locate the three victims. One was declared deceased on scene. One was transported in critical condition to the hospital and was declared deceased at the hospital and the other patient survived with minor injuries was treated and transported," said Lauren Shoemaker, California State Parks Superintendent for Auburn Recreation Park.
El Dorado County Sheriff's Office identified the 33-year man who died as Mohammad Fahim Hemati of Sacramento.
Meanwhile, the Placer County Sheriff's Office is handling the death of the 15-year-old.
Numerous signs are posted everywhere in the area warning people of cold and swift water. However, people are still getting in and ending up in a bad situation.
"The river is so deceiving. Depending on where you're swimming, it can be very calm where you make entry and then just getting yourself out to that mid-river area can sweep you out from where you're at and get you down into some strainers and more hazards that cause you to drown almost immediately," said Fire Capt. Nick Salas with Cal Fire and Placer County Fire Department.
California State Parks is asking the public to heed the warnings.
"As Fourth of July comes, I want to remind people that three people have drowned in this section of the American River this year. We will continue to make our efforts and have lifeguards out and make safety contacts and have signs out. It's ultimately their responsibility when they come to make safe decisions, to educate themselves before they come out and to be out here safely," said Shoemaker.
Officials said there was a language barrier initially when communicating with the family, but they were able to use translation tools to help them.
The Placer County Chaplaincy was also at the hospital last night to help the family cope with the loss.
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