A man died Sunday afternoon after bystanders spotted him submerged in the American River in Sacramento County, according to the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District. Emergency crews responded to the water near Estates Drive in Arden Arcade just after 1 p.m. on Sept. 13, 2026, following 911 calls from people walking along the shoreline.
Emergency Response and Recovery Near Rio Americano High School
Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District personnel, alongside Sacramento County sheriff’s deputies and park rangers, rushed to the scene just downstream from Rio Americano High School. Firefighters deployed a rescue boat and reached the submerged man, pulling him out of the water. Metro Fire officials stated that the man was unresponsive and appeared to have been underwater for an extended period.
Medical personnel pronounced the man dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet released his identity, pending notification of relatives by the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office.
Investigation Into How the Man Entered the River
Sacramento County park rangers have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding how the man ended up in the river.
The incident remains under active investigation by county officials. Further details regarding the cause of death and official identification are expected to be released by the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office once family notifications are complete.
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