34-year-old swept away while rafting on American River identified by Sacramento coroner

A man, who fell into the American River and drowned while rafting with a large party on Saturday, has been identified by the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office.

Zongchar Moua, 34, was aboard a raft near the Clay Banks in Rancho Cordova when he was swept away by swift currents, said Battalion Chief Parker Wilbourn, a spokesman for the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District. Moua was not wearing a life jacket when he disappeared underwater.

Authorities deployed two helicopters, divers using sonar and other methods to canvass the area on Saturday and Sunday. The man’s body was recovered Sunday morning.

The coroner said Moua died on Sunday. His cause of death is listed as undetermined pending a further autopsy.

Residents seeking respite from sweltering temperatures should wear life jackets before jumping into capital region waterways. The life-saving devices are available at several river access points and fire departments. A sizable Sierra snowpack has led to river levels that are higher and faster than usual for this time of year.