A Sunday fishing trip on the San Jacinto River in north Montgomery County ended in tragedy when a 33-year-old man was pulled away from shore by a powerful current and drowned. Friends on the riverbank tried desperately to haul him back in but could not reach him. Authorities later recovered his body and said there are no signs of criminal activity.
Where it happened
Deputies were called to a report of a possible drowning near Hill Road and Sorter Road in the Porter area at about 6:18 p.m., according to Click2Houston. Investigators identified the victim as 33-year-old Jose Negrete and said he was swept away by the river's current as he tried to swim back to shore. Several acquaintances on the bank went after him and attempted a rescue but were unable to reach him, the outlet reported.
Recovery and investigation
Search teams, including the North Montgomery County Fire Department dive team, spent hours combing the water before locating Negrete's body about 50 feet from the shoreline, FOX 26 Houston reported. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit and crime scene investigators responded to the scene. In a statement, the sheriff’s office said the death "appears to be a tragic accident" and that there are no indications of criminal acts, according to the station.
River risks and safety
The San Jacinto and similar rivers can conceal swift currents, sudden drop-offs and debris that make it hard, if not impossible, for someone in trouble to get out on their own, even if they know the water well. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department urges people to wear life jackets, avoid alcohol around the water and consider taking boater or paddling-safety courses. The agency has said that drowning remains the leading cause of death in recreational boating fatalities in recent years. For more detailed water-safety guidance, visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Local context
Negrete’s death is the latest in a string of serious water incidents in Montgomery County in recent weeks. In June, emergency crews recovered the body of a 15-year-old who drowned after wading into a flooded retention pond, Click2Houston reported. County authorities routinely open death investigations in drowning cases to determine the exact cause and to rule out foul play.
Investigators have not released additional details about Negrete's death and are still reviewing the circumstances, according to FOX 26 Houston. The case serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a familiar river can turn dangerous and of the importance of life jackets and cautious behavior on local waterways.
