(FOX40.COM) — A 16-year-old boy dies after falling into a deep channel in the Feather River west of the Star Bend boat ramp on Friday afternoon.
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According to the Yuba County Sheriff’s Office, deputies received a report of a possible drowning in the Feather River west of the Star Bend boat camp at around 5:30 p.m. A group of people had walked to a remote beach and went into the water when one of them, a 16-year-old boy from Marysville, fell into a deep channel and started to struggle before drowning.
The following agencies responded to the scene and searched until it got dark: Yuba County Sheriff’s Boat Unit and Technical Rescue Team, Linda Fire Department, Yuba City Fire Department, Sutter County Sheriff’s Office, Marysville Fire Department, and the Yuba Sutter Aero Squadron with aerial search support, YCSO said.
On Saturday afternoon, YCSO stated that the juvenile’s body was found roughly 17 feet below the water and was recovered by the YCSO technical rescue team. At this time, the identity of the boy is being withheld until the next of kin has been contacted.
“This tragic incident highlights the unpredictable hazards of river channels, especially in
colder temperatures and with such strong undercurrents,” said YCSO. “Our deep-felt sympathy and prayers go out to the family and friends of the victim.”