A man drowned in the Stanislaus River in Salida yesterday evening while trying to save another who was struggling to swim, according to officials from the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office. At approximately 7:45 p.m., emergency crews were called to the scene after receiving reports of a person in distress in the water. According to KCRA, a group of six friends and family members were present when one individual found difficulty swimming.

Jumping into the river, another man attempted the rescue. Unfortunately, the rescuer, later identified as 26-year-old Marcos Garcia, did not resurface after others also jumped in and successfully helped the rest to shore. Deputy efforts to locate Garcia involved a helicopter search but was found deceased shortly after, at 8:18 p.m., as FOX40 reports. Fire personnel administered lifesaving measures, but Garcia was pronounced dead.

This tragedy marks the eighth drowning in Stanislaus County rivers this year. In response to the recent string of drownings, the sheriff's office has released a compelling video along with 911 dispatch audio highlighting the importance of water safety and lifejacket usage. "The following is a dispatch audio from the family of the victim, and serves as a reminder of the risks of not wearing a life jacket," mentioned the SCSO on FOX40 before the video was released, emphasizing the dangers.