Teen dies after walking into American River despite firefighters’ quick work

A 17-year-old girl died after walking into the American River on Saturday night, despite being pulled from the water by Sacramento Fire Department personnel 22 minutes after the emergency was reported.

The girl was reported to have been with friends around 28th and B streets near Sutter’s Landing. Authorities determined that the group of friends, of unknown ages, was consuming alcohol.

Friends told emergency responders that the girl had consumed alcohol and was unable to properly walk.

With the group onshore, the girl walked into the water. In the darkness, her friends were unable to see her and called 911 at 9:13 p.m. It was unknown how long she had been in the water when they made the call.

Firefighters found the girl in critical condition, in a 5-foot deep pool of stagnant water. They began life support and she was taken to a local hospital.

She was pronounced dead at some point during the night.

This story was originally published August 16, 2020 at 3:43 PM.