The following is a press release issued by the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office:
On 07/22/2023, at 3:46 P.M., MCSO personnel were dispatched to the east fork of the Russian River off of East Side Potter Valley Road near Potter Valley, CA for a report of a possible drowning.
MCSO initiated an emergency response, arrived on scene, and began checking the area for the victim when they were flagged down in the 7040 block of East Side Potter Valley Road by citizens. Deputies swam across the river to the location of the victim, later identified as Jorge Medina (47), and observed a citizen performing CPR. Deputies took over administering CPR until the arrival of medical personnel.
Paramedics attempted advanced lifesaving measures, but they were unsuccessful. Medina was pronounced deceased at 4:24 P.M. on 07/22/2023. Deputies learned Medina had been wading in chest-deep water attempting to find relief from the sweltering heat. Medina was momentarily out of sight of his longtime girlfriend and their daughters while wading in the water. A short time later Medina, who knew how to swim, was found floating face down in the river. Medina was pulled to shore and CPR was performed. MCSO personnel were informed Medina was complaining of a bad headache prior to being found face down in the river.
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That part of the river has taken numerous lives over the decades. Popular spot for partying and swimming yet very treacherous with rocks and strong currents.