Monday, 27 July 2026, 23:47
MERCED COUNTY, Calif. – A 13-year-old boy drowned Saturday evening after disappearing beneath the water near Cressey Bridge in Merced County, authorities said. The Merced County Sheriff's Office reported that deputies and emergency crews responded to a 911 call at approximately 7:15 p.m. on Santa Fe Drive. Despite a swift response, the boy was found deceased at the scene.
According to the sheriff's office, the boy was struggling in the water near Cressey Bridge when he went under and did not resurface. Rescue teams located him, but he could not be revived. The incident remains under investigation, and no further details, including the victim's identity, have been released.
New details from the Merced County Sheriff's Office indicate that the boy was swimming with family when he began struggling in the swift-moving current and was swept away. Witnesses reported seeing the boy go underwater and said he did not resurface. The Merced Sheriff's Sable 6 helicopter began searching the area while the Dive Rescue and Recovery Team responded. Using a remotely operated vehicle, the dive team located the boy at a depth of about 18 feet. Divers recovered him, but he was pronounced dead. The boy was transported to the Merced County Coroner's Office for further examination.
This drowning occurred in Merced County, a largely agricultural region in California's Central Valley. The Cressey Bridge area, located on Santa Fe Drive, is a known spot for swimming and recreation, but it also poses risks due to unpredictable currents. The incident happened just one day after another rescue on the same river, underscoring the need for increased water safety awareness in the community.
This tragic event follows a similar drowning in the same area at the end of July last year, when an adult male drowned under nearly identical circumstances after struggling in the current and failing to resurface. Just days before this incident, on July 7, 2026, deputies and the Merced Sheriff's Sable 5 helicopter safely rescued four people from the Merced River near Snelling Park after their raft became stuck on an object in the river. Additionally, on July 9, 2026, deputies responded to the Merced River near Henderson Park in Snelling after receiving a report that people were stranded in the water. Two adults and two juveniles—one of whom was partially paralyzed—had become trapped when their raft snagged on an object in the river. Deputies located the group and pulled them from the water, and the department's helicopter landed beside the river so crews could load the four onto the chopper and fly them back to Henderson Park to be treated. All four survived.
Drowning incidents are not uncommon in California's rivers and lakes, especially during warmer months when families seek relief from the heat. Merced County has experienced similar tragedies in recent years, prompting local agencies to issue safety warnings about swimming in unsupervised natural waterways.
In the wake of this tragedy, the Merced County Sheriff's Office has issued a list of safety recommendations for anyone planning to enjoy local waterways: Don't enter the water if you do not know how to swim. Always wear a properly fitted life jacket. Never underestimate the strength, speed, or temperature of moving water. Stay alert to submerged hazards, changing currents, and debris. Never swim or enter the river alone. Check river and weather conditions before heading out. Keep children within arm's reach and under constant supervision. Have a plan for emergencies and call 9-1-1 immediately if someone is in distress. Avoid alcohol or drugs while swimming or boating, as they significantly increase the risk of drowning.
The death of this teenager is a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers of swimming in rivers and other natural bodies of water. Authorities urge the public to exercise caution, wear life jackets, and never swim alone. The investigation continues, and more information may be released as it becomes available.
