Tragedy on the Kings River: Man in His 30s Drowns at Winton Park in Fresno County
FRESNO COUNTY, CA — A relaxing Sunday afternoon turned tragic after a man in his 30s drowned in the Kings River near Winton Park, marking the fifth drowning in a Fresno County waterway so far in 2025.
The incident occurred shortly before 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 3, when the man was seen entering the river without a life jacket. According to officials, he had been consuming alcohol prior to getting into the water. At some point, the man went under and did not resurface. Two nearby citizens witnessed the incident and bravely jumped into the river to locate and pull him back to shore.
Emergency responders from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and Cal Fire arrived quickly at the scene. Deputies and firefighters immediately began administering CPR in an effort to revive the man. He was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital, where he was sadly pronounced dead.
Alcohol and No Life Jacket: A Fatal Combination
Authorities have confirmed that the victim was not wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident. He had also reportedly been drinking alcohol, a known risk factor in many drowning cases. Alcohol impairs coordination and judgment, two critical faculties needed to stay safe in unpredictable river currents.
“This is another tragic and preventable death,” said a spokesperson for the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. “We urge everyone recreating on our rivers and lakes to wear a life jacket and avoid alcohol. One bad decision can cost a life.”
Fifth Water-Related Death in 2025
The man’s death is now counted as the fifth water-related fatality in Fresno County this year. Of the five, four have occurred on rivers, including the Kings and San Joaquin, while one occurred at a local lake. Each incident has highlighted ongoing concerns from local officials and first responders about river safety—especially during the warm summer months when more people are out enjoying the water.
Officials continue to emphasize that even experienced swimmers can be overcome by the fast-moving currents and hidden hazards that characterize rivers like the Kings.
Community Response and Safety Reminders
Winton Park, a popular recreation area along the Kings River, was filled with families and visitors when the tragedy occurred. Witnesses at the scene expressed shock and sadness as rescue crews worked to save the man.
“This should’ve been just another day at the river,” one bystander said. “It was heartbreaking to see the emergency teams trying everything they could to bring him back.”
In response to the latest drowning, local agencies are stepping up their outreach efforts, reminding the public of the importance of water safety:
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Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times when near or in the water.
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Avoid alcohol before and during any water activity.
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Never swim alone, and keep children within arm’s reach at all times.
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Be aware of river conditions, including water depth, temperature, and current strength.
The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office has announced that additional patrols and safety checkpoints may be implemented at popular river access points through the remainder of the summer.
Victim’s Identity and Further Details
As of now, the man’s name has not been released pending notification of next of kin. The Fresno County Coroner’s Office is assisting with the case, and an official cause of death will be determined following a full autopsy.
This is a developing story. More information will be shared as it becomes available.
If you have any information or were present at Winton Park during the time of the incident, you are asked to contact the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office.
In memory of this young man, we are reminded that rivers are as dangerous as they are beautiful. A few simple precautions can mean the difference between life and death. Let’s work together to prevent future tragedies.
