Two people drowned in the Russian River last week amid Fourth of July celebrations and a record-breaking heat wave, prompting authorities to warn that the popular waterway spanning portions of Sonoma and Mendocino counties can still pose a danger.
The first swimmer, identified as Santa Rosa resident Nasoni Tuitoga, 28, was reported missing Wednesday evening after swimming near Villa Grande in Monte Rio, according to a statement from the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office. The man is thought to have suffered a medical emergency before disappearing under the water, said Monte Rio Fire Chief Steve Baxman.
Tuitoga was found dead Friday afternoon in the same area he went missing after a days-long search by Sonoma County sheriff’s units, the Monte Rio Fire Department, and the Napa County Sheriff’s Office marine team.
On Saturday evening, Sonoma County deputies responded to reports that a second man, identified Monday as Pedro Ramirez Lopez, was drowning near Monte Rio Beach. The sheriff’s office reported that a bystander administered CPR to the victim, a 50-year-old Richmond resident, on the shore until first responders arrived. They continued with lifesaving efforts upon arrival, but he was pronounced dead on the scene.
Baxman said that the number of people who die in the Russian River each year varies, but the number this year — at least four suspected drownings — is significant.