Man dies after bystanders pull him from American River, Sacramento fire officials say
A man died Sunday after bystanders pulled him from the American River and attempted to save his life, fire officials said.
Romele Isaac Walton died at a hospital, the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office announced Tuesday. The coroner classified his death as an accident. His city of residence was not available.
The Sacramento Fire Department received reports shortly after 6 p.m. Sunday. Walton had been under water for several minutes before bystanders pulled him out of the American River near North Seventh Street, fire officials announced on Twitter.
The bystanders performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation on him until firefighters arrived and continued life-saving efforts before taking him to a hospital.
Walton, 49, was initially was listed in critical condition at the hospital, fire officials said. About two hours later, the Fire Department announced that he died.
Fire officials thanked the bystanders who rushed to try to save Walton’s life and issued a reminder to wear a life jacket when in or near rivers.
Even during a drought, the water in rivers in the Sacramento area are still running cold and fast. The calm water can be deceiving and can easily catch anyone off guard, authorities say.
The Fire Department has a free life jacket rental program. Those who need one can pick it up at a fire station or where they’re being offered at a popular beach.
This story was originally published May 31, 2021 at 10:21 AM.
