Fire rescuers pull body from American River near Rancho Cordova

Matro Fire crews pulled a person’s body from the American River near Rancho Cordova early Monday, said fire officials.

Officials at Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District said crews were called to the river between the Sunset and Jim’s bridges near the American River Parkway at 6:41 a.m. for a water rescue of a person seen face down in the water.

Rescuers retrieved the person and fire personnel declared the person dead at the scene.

Sacramento County park rangers are investigating the death, authorities said.

The Sacramento County Coroner’s Office was expected to release the person’s identity after notifying next of kin.

This story was originally published August 25, 2025 at 7:48 AM.

Darrell Smith

The Sacramento Bee

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Darrell Smith is a local reporter for The Sacramento Bee. He joined The Bee in 2006 and previously worked at newspapers in Palm Springs, Colorado Springs and Marysville. Smith was born and raised at Beale Air Force Base and lives in Elk Grove.