Coroner Identifies American River Drowning Victim as Fair Oaks Resident

A man who died after getting entangled in underwater debris along the American River near River Bend Park Saturday has been identified as Fair Oaks resident Josh Ray Rasmussen, according to Sacramento County Coroner's Office records.

Witnesses saw Rasmussen, 32, go into the water around 4:41 p.m., Sacramento Metro Fire District assistant chief Walter White explained. They told rescue crews they did not see him resurface.

It wasn't until 5:20 p.m. that rescuers found Rasmussen, White said. They attempted to administer CPR, but Rasmussen was unresponsive. He was transported to UC Davis Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead.