Two Die in Separate Drownings on Russian River, Sonoma County

Two separate drowning incidents on the Russian River in Sonoma County resulted in the deaths of a juvenile boy and an adult man on the same day. At Monte Rio Beach, deputies responded to reports of two juveniles struggling in the water; a bystander rescued one, but the other was found after a 20-minute search and pronounced dead despite CPR efforts. Later, at Martinelli Beach, a man was found unresponsive in the river and also died despite resuscitation attempts. The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office expressed condolences to the families and noted that investigations are ongoing. Officials cautioned about the river's unpredictable currents and depths, emphasizing the importance of water safety, including supervision, swimming skills, and trusting instincts to avoid dangerous conditions. Drowning remains a leading cause of death, especially among children, highlighting the need for vigilance near water.