IDENTIFIED: Kayaker dies after being sucked underwater in Fresno County

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – The kayaker who was hospitalized after he was sucked under the water in the Kings River on Friday has passed away, the Fresno County Coroner’s Office confirmed.

On Saturday, officials announced that the 65-year-old man who was in the kayak had died. He was identified as Russell Mayfield of Visalia.

According to the sheriff’s office, around 2 p.m., the 65-year-old was in the kayak when it fell into the river near the bridge just below Pine Flat dam. Officials say he got caught in the turning water at a weir and it sucked him under the water.

When he showed up at the surface, witnesses threw him a rope. He grabbed the rope, and as they tried pulling him out, he slipped away, the sheriff’s office said.

Officials add that two sergeants who were training nearby heard the call and responded. They pulled the man to shore and started CPR. The man was in the water for about 15 to 20 minutes.

Officials add that the temperature of the water at the time was in the low 50 degrees Fahrenheit.