A young man drowned at Steelhead Beach on Sunday evening. On July 9, 2017 at approximately 4:30 p.m., a 911 caller stated that a man had disappeared under the water at Steelhead Beach. Forestville Fire Department and Sonoma County Sheriff’s deputies were immediately dispatched to the scene.
The victim, a 19-year-old Hispanic male from Oakland, was last seen about 300 yards upstream from the main beach. Forestville Fire and California State Parks personnel searched for the victim by water as Sheriff’s deputies and California Highway Patrol officers searched by land. The Sheriff’s helicopter, Henry-1, searched by air.
At approximately 5:05 p.m. the victim was found about five yards south of where he was last seen, near trees on shore in a deeper pool of water. He was pulled to shore by fire personnel. Fire personnel determined he had drowned. They pronounced him dead on the scene shortly after he was pulled from the water.
An autopsy will be conducted to confirm the cause and manner of death. The victim’s identity is being withheld until his family is notified.
This is a preliminary press release. We will release additional details as soon as they are available. We send our condolences to the victim’s family.
Prepared by: Misti Harris, Community Engagement Liaison
Media Inquiries: 707-565-3941
