On Wednesday December 23, 2015 at 1:40 PM, the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from a person on the beach stating two kayakers had tipped over in the turbulent water off Goat Rock Beach near the mouth of the Russian River in the Jenner area.
The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office Resident Deputy, Marine Unit Deputies, State Parks Rangers, US Coast Guard and CHP helicopter H30 responded. Local Fire Department staged in the area for the rescue to provide medical treatment and assist in the rescue.
One kayaker, an adult man, was already ashore and received medical attention. He told emergency personnel that he was kayaking with his friend when he saw him dump the kayak in the rough waters and start to swim toward shore. He lost sight of his friend and the kayak so he called for help.
The adult male was transported to a Santa Rosa Hospital for evaluation and treatment. The search for the missing man continued. Soon both kayaks were recovered, but one person still remained lost in the water.
At about 2:55 PM, the CHP helicopter spotted a person in the water about a half mile out, and 1.5 miles from the mouth of the river. The US Coast Guard boat pulled the unresponsive adult male from the water. The man was transported to the US Coast Guard Station at Bodega Bay where he was pronounced dead.
The deceased is identified as Joseph Patrick Woods, a 63 year old from San Rafael. His family was present on-scene and learned of his death.
The Sonoma County Coroner’s Office will schedule a forensic pathologist to conduct an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of Wood’s death.
The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit is conducting the investigation into the circumstances surrounding this fatal boating incident. This is an open investigation and details will only be released in a manner that does not interfere with the integrity of the case.
From the initial information there is no suspicion of foul play or criminal conduct, but likely an unfortunate accident.
Our condolences to his family and friends.
Report #151223-011
Prepared by Sergeant Cecile Focha
Media Relations / PIO
