Man Who Saved Woman, Girl Laments Drowning Victim He Never Saw
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Recovery crews have called off the search for the body of a woman presumed drowned near Discovery Park.
The man who saved two other victims from the incident spoke to CBS13 about the ordeal.
Richard Molina nearly lost his life doing all he could to save some strangers, but says he's devastated he couldn't save them all.
Sacramento fire rescue crews say the victims simply underestimated the river's power and its sudden drop off, leading to another deadly day on the river that could have been a lot worse.
A fun beachside barbecue quickly ended and a terrifying ordeal ensued for Molina and his family on Monday at Discovery Park.
"Was going good, until some people started screaming," he said.
It was obvious to him that a group of women and children who were struggling in the water had gone out too far. He didn't think.
"One girl, I seen her going under and she wasn't doing too good. And I just reacted, and I just went over there to do what I could to save her," he said.
But he was also quickly overwhelmed by the current.
"I tried to just grab her, and just throw her as far as I could toward the shore, but when I did that, I just went under," he said.
Swallowing water while trying to keep above it, he grabbed a woman and a little girl, bringing them to shore.
"I kind of just collapsed on the side, my body, my sides just kind of cinched up," he said.
He was rushed to the hospital for treatment. He learned later there was a woman who didn't get out—one he never saw—a 27-year-old who still has not surfaced.
With five drownings so far this season, fire officials say people must use caution during the drought and how swiftly the current can move.
