Man Dead After Second Drowning In A Week On The Russian River: Police

MONTE RIO, CA — A man died over the holiday weekend in a suspected drowning in the Russian River, marking the second death in the area in less than a week, according to the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office.

Officials said 911 callers reported a possible drowning at Monte Rio Beach around 6:40 p.m. Saturday and deputies arrived to find witnesses performing CPR on a man who was pulled from the river. Medics arrived at the scene to continue lifesaving efforts, but the man did not survive. The sheriff's office said the victim's identity would be released after it was confirmed and his family was notified.

"Multiple people have died in the Russian River in 2024," the sheriff's office said Monday. "While it looks calm on the surface, the river can have strong currents, deep spots and drop-offs, and underwater debris. We urge everyone to practice water safety when they visit our beautiful river."

The latest death follows the disappearance of a swimmer in the Russian River last week, which led to a multi-day search effort in Monte Rio. Search teams found the man's body Friday afternoon, and he was identified over the weekend as Nasoni Tuitoga, 28, of Santa Rosa.