Tragedy struck the Russian River over the Fourth of July weekend as two men, Nasoni Tuitotoga, 28, of Santa Rosa, and Pedro Ramirez Lopez, 51, of Richmond, drowned in separate incidents.
Nasoni Tuitotoga, 28, of Santa Rosa, was reported missing on July 3. Authorities received a 911 call at approximately 6:17 p.m. indicating Tuitotoga had been swimming near Villa Grande. Deputies and Sonoma County Fire District personnel initiated a search. The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Marine Unit, Sonoma County Sheriff Volunteer Dive Team, and Monte Rio Fire joined the search efforts which were suspended at dark for safety reasons and resumed the following morning at sunrise.
On July 4, the Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit continued operations with assistance from the Napa County Sheriff’s Marine Unit, which provided a remote-operated underwater vehicle. Search activities were again suspended at nightfall due to safety concerns.
The search resumed at sunrise on July 5 with additional help from the Napa County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit. That afternoon, Tuitotoga’s body was found.
Around 6:40 p.m. on July 6, deputies responded to another 911 call regarding a possible drowning at Monte Rio Beach. Bystanders were performing CPR on a man pulled from the river when deputies arrived. Despite continued lifesaving efforts by emergency medical personnel, the man did not survive. He has been identified as Pedro Ramirez Lopez, 51, of Richmond.
These incidents add to a series of drownings in the Russian River in 2024. Although the river appears calm on the surface, it can have strong currents, deep spots, drop-offs, and underwater debris.
Authorities urge all visitors to practice water safety: avoid swimming if you cannot swim, wear proper swim attire, refrain from drinking alcohol while swimming, and always wear a life jacket regardless of your swimming abilities.
