19-year-old disappears in American River near Auburn
19-year-old disappears in American River near Auburn, Crews are searching for a 19-year-old drowning victim after he jumped into the American River Thursday, the California State Parks Department said.
Ray Cabalfin Jr. went hiking with some friends Thursday along Lake ClementineTrail in Auburn, family members said. Shortly before noon, Cabalfin jumped from a rock into the American River, less than one mile upstream from the Clark's Pool swimming hole.
“The current was too strong for him to swim back to shore and he was carried away from his friends,” family said in a statement Sunday. “He was seen for a few yards attempting to swim against the current, and calling for help to his friends.”
His friends immediately called 911 and ran further downstream, trying to intercept him. But, they lost sight of him soon after he called out for help, family said.
The state parks department, the Placer County Sheriff’s Office and the California Highway Patrol have been searching for Cabalfin since Thursday, parks spokesperson Scott Liske said.
Crews are now conducting a recovery operation instead of a rescue, Liske said. The CHP helicopter was over the area during the past few days to help ground crews. Divers from the Placer County Sheriff's Office were in the river on Thursday.
Officials are warning people to stay out of the American River. Liske said the snowmelt has increased water flows and has made the river murkier. He adds the water temperature is a frigid 40-50 degrees.
The river will most likely not be safe for recreation until July, officials said.
