A 27-year-old man has drowned in Sequoia National Park, marking the second fatal incident in the park's waterways in as many months. Luis Alberto Gomez of Huntington Park died Saturday after a suspected drowning near Hospital Rock along the Kaweah River.
Park rangers and other first responders were alerted to the incident on Saturday and administered emergency medical treatment at the scene. The National Park Service and the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the death. It is unclear if Gomez was transported to a hospital.
The Kaweah River has proven to be a dangerous area for park visitors. In June, 17-year-old Andrea Diaz Mondragon of Santa Maria drowned in the river while visiting the park with friends and her older brother. Her brother and a friend attempted a rescue, with bystanders fashioning a makeshift rope from clothing to save one of the would-be rescuers. The other individual managed to reach shore.
According to the National Park Service, drowning is the leading cause of death for visitors in Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks. The park service warns that the rivers can be deceptively treacherous due to slippery rocks, swift currents, and frigid water temperatures, which can rapidly lead to hypothermia and incapacitation even in warm weather.
Officials advise visitors to avoid swimming in areas with strong currents or steep drop-offs. They also note that many river-related fatalities occur when individuals accidentally fall into the water, rather than intending to swim. The park service urges caution around moving water, recommending life jackets, keeping children within arm's reach, and avoiding alcohol near rivers. Even a calm-looking surface can conceal a powerful undertow.