Man who tried to save rafters found dead in Northern California river
By ASSOCIATED PRESS |
August 1, 2022
SACRAMENTO — A 31-year-old man who went missing after attempting to save two rafters in distress was found dead along Northern California’s American River, authorities said.
Joshua Brandon Crane couldn’t be found after he jumped into the river Friday night, according to the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District. Crane, who was not wearing a life jacket, tried to help two people who were struggling in the rushing water, officials said. The pair eventually made it to safety.
Crane’s body was recovered Saturday downstream from the San Juan rapids, Metro Fire said.
American River drowning victim was veteran, fourth-year medical student at UC Davis
BY CECILIO PADILLA, LAURA HAEFELI
UPDATED ON: AUGUST 1, 2022
CBS SACRAMENTO
FAIR OAKS – The man who died in a drowning on the American River last week has been identified as a UC Davis School of Medicine student. The incident happened Friday evening on the San Juan rapids in the American River. Two people were reportedly seen struggling in the water, Metro Fire of Sacramento officials say. "This river could potentially be unforgiving," said Cpt. Parker Wilbourn with Metro Fire of Sacramento.
Crane had organized a student outing on Friday, July 29, at the American River in Fair Oaks. He was on a paddleboard in the San Juan Rapids stretch of the river when he jumped in to help two women who were struggling in the water after their inflatable tubes were swept into the rapids. The women made it to shore, but Crane disappeared in the river.
Wilbourn said it was later learned that Joshua Brandon Crane, 30, had noticed the two swimmers struggling and jumped in to help. Crane died while the other two survived. rews recovered his body beyond the rapids on Saturday.
In a Facebook post, the UC Davis School of Medicine revealed that Crane was a fourth-year medical student. "Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones as we support each other through this heartbreaking loss. He was an extraordinary young man devoted to helping others," the school wrote in a statement.
Crane was also a former member of the U.S. Navy who dedicated his life to helping others. UC Davis said it is working with his family to memorialize him in the coming days.Wilbourn said Metro Fire responds to multiple rescues a day during the summer. "The number one thing you can do is wear your life jacket," he said
