TRINITY RIVER DROWNING UPDATE, LIVINGSTON, July 15, 2024: A Goodrich man went into the Trinity River to save two family members, then was pulled down himself. The following is a press release from the Polk County Sheriff's Office:
On July 5, 2024, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a possible drowning in the Trinity River, that occurred below the Lake Livingston Dam (FM-3278).
Detectives quickly responded to the scene to begin their investigation into a report that 31 year-old Israel Hernandez, had entered the river to help family members that were stuck in the current.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office, along with assistance from the Texas Game Wardens, searched the area and further down the river for several days. On Wednesday, July 10, 2024, the body of Israel Hernandez was recovered. An autopsy was ordered by Justice of the Peace Precinct 4 Judge Richardson, and the body was transported to the Jefferson County Medical Examiner’s Office.
...end of press release...
ORIGINAL STORY BELOW
Man Feared Dead From Drowning, SWARTWOUT, July 5, 2024 - At approximately 3:20 pm on July 5, 2024, three Hispanic men were allegedly wade fishing in the Trinity River below the FM-3278 Bridge and apparently waded too deep. The men were swept under. Two of the men managed to get back to shore and nearly drowned. A third man never made it back. Local volunteer fire departments from inside and outside Polk County were dispatched, along with detectives and deputies from the Polk County Sheriff's Office and Texas Game Wardens. Game Wardens and volunteer firemen had boats with equipment dragging in and around the vicinity where the man was last seen. At time of press, 8:45 pm, the man has not yet been found. The two men that survived were transported by ambulance to CHI LIvingston Memorial Hospital.
That's all the information that we have at this time. We will update this story when more information is made available.
The 2 men that survived were transported by ambulance to CHI Livingston Memorial Hospital.
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