Full Notification

DATE/TIME: February 14, 2017 / 12:55 PM

INCIDENT: Man Falls into the California Aqueduct

LOCATION: Amargosa Road / I 15 Freeway

VICTIM: Lucas Hermenegildo, age 68 a resident of Victorville


SUMMARY:

On Tuesday, February 14, 2017, at approximately 12:55 PM, sheriff’s dispatch received a call that a male subject had fallen into the California Aqueduct between the area of US Highway 395/Yucca Terrace Drive and Amargosa Road/I 15 Freeway.

The Hesperia Sheriff’s Station in corroboration with the San Bernardino County Fire Department and Hesperia School Police were immediately dispatched to the area to start a search for the victim.

At all times a visual was maintained on the victim until emergency personnel arrived on scene. Once on scene, the victim was pulled from the water, unresponsive, and CPR was initiated. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

Through investigation, it was determined that the victim and his wife were walking their three dogs along the aqueduct when one of the dogs fell into the water. The victim approached the water and while reaching to save his dog lost his footing and fell in. The victim was estimated to be in the aqueduct for approximately 10-15 minutes before emergency personnel was able to pull him from the water. The victim’s dog was able to get out of the water and was not injured.

The Hesperia Sheriff’s Station wants to remind citizens that even though the water on the surface of the aqueduct appears calm and slow moving, there is an undertow that is very fast moving and can pull a person under. Always use caution when walking along the aqueduct and maintain distance from the edge.


Refer: Jackie Chambers, Media Relations

Station: Hesperia

Phone No. 760-947-1549

Case No. 191701171



JOHN MCMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department