Grieving family members stand by helplessly waiting.
Memorial Weekend Marred by Tragedy, Man Drowns in Trinity River, SAN JACINTO COUNTY, May 30, 2010 - At approximately 4 pm on May 30, 2010, a family was enjoying their Memorial Day Weekend at the Trinity River at the Polk County/San Jacinto County line (south of Goodrich) when they apparently lost one of their own. Family members said they last saw Angel Fuentes, 24, of Houston in the water at the boat ramp beneath US-59. They said that they saw him go under the water and then he resurfaced a short distance east of the boat ramp, went under, and was not seen again. Somebody called 911 and Shepherd Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to the scene along with a unit from Legacy EMS Service, Deputies from the San Jacinto County Sheriff's Department, and Game Wardens from San Jacinto and Polk Counties. Family members could only stand by helplessly as emergency personnel got boats into the water as quickly as possible to search for Fuentes. Boats were brought in from the City of Cleveland Fire Department, Shepherd Fire Department, and Texas Game Warden Boats. Sadly a short time later, the ambulance left and was no longer needed and what began as a rescue, now turned into a recovery. At time of press, Fuentes has not yet been recovered as the search continues.
State Game Warden David Johnson of Polk County was the first Game Warden on the scene.
An ambulance from Legacy EMS stood by, but sadly was not needed.
Soon Game Wardens were getting boats into the water.
Angel Fuentes was seen swimming off this boat ramp when he initially went under.
Texas Game Warden Ryan Hall of Polk County
The Wardens were using rectangular shaped metal devices to drag along the bottom and edges of the Trinity River.
Family members comfort eachother in the face of a tragedy.
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