What began as a weekend hike near the Truckee River ended in tragedy for a Petaluma family, after search-and-rescue crews recovered the body of 19-year-old Brian Marcellino Gallardo, a Bay Area man who vanished after entering the frigid water near the Floriston exit along Interstate 80. Relatives said Gallardo appeared to be shocked by the cold and quickly began struggling in the current.
According to The Sacramento Bee, divers with the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office found and recovered Gallardo after a search that began last Saturday afternoon and continued through today. Nevada County deputies told the outlet that melting snow has swollen area rivers and that water temperatures hovered around 44 degrees. The recovery drew a multi-agency response, including Truckee police and fire, the El Dorado and Placer sheriff’s offices, CHP air operations and Cal Fire. Authorities later confirmed Gallardo’s identity and said there was no immediate sign of criminal activity.
Cold water can be deadly even for strong swimmers
Water temperatures below 50 degrees can trigger a sudden cold-water shock that overwhelms even confident swimmers in minutes, turning someone who might normally handle a river swim into a person who cannot climb out. The National Weather Service warns that cold-water immersion can cause rapid breathing, cardiac stress and quick loss of muscle control, and stresses that wearing flotation dramatically improves survival odds in such conditions.
Family and officials react
Relatives told reporters that Gallardo had been hiking with friends after traveling to Reno to visit someone, and that he disappeared after entering the river near a trail off I-80 Exit 199. In coverage of the search, The Sacramento Bee reported family members’ accounts that he appeared to be shocked by the icy water and struggled soon after going in. Nevada County deputies urged the public to stay out of fast-moving, cold water while snowmelt continues to swell streams and rivers throughout the region.
What authorities are saying
Officials said the Truckee River’s speed and low temperature made the recovery operation hazardous, and they are asking people to avoid entering the water and to wear life jackets when near swollen rivers. Local agencies noted that the search required coordinated dive teams and air support, and that investigators will continue working with Gallardo’s family. Authorities are urging anyone planning trips to river corridors during snowmelt season to check conditions in advance and follow guidance from local emergency agencies.
