Man Found in San Gabriel River Bed Died at Area Hospital

AZUSA, CA —A 50-year-old man drowned during a visit with a friend to the San Gabriel River near Azusa is believed to have been tubing when he became caught in the current, police said Thursday.

Officers, deputies and firefighters responded about 4:40 p.m. Wednesday to a report of a possible drowning in the riverbed off Highway 39 and a bike trail in the area, according to Lt. Paul Dennis of the Azusa Police Department.

"A male adult victim was airlifted to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead," Dennis said.
It's believed the man had been tubing in the general area of route 39 and Mirador Drive, near the two northern-most spillways along the river, police said.

The drowning remains under investigation, but investigators do not believe foul play was involved.

"Preliminarily it is known that the victim was visiting the riverbed with a friend when he became caught in the waters' current," Dennis said.

The coroner's office reported the man was in his 50s, but his name was withheld pending notification of his next of kin.

An autopsy was pending.

"The Azusa Police Department would like to remind everyone that this area of the San Gabriel Riverbed off Highway 39 and the bicycle trail is private property. Trespassers are subject to arrest," police said. "Additionally, the water currents within this area of the riverbed are extremely dangerous and not designated for swimming or water sports."

Anyone who saw or has information about what happened was urged to call police at (626) 812-3200.

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