NorCal Man Drowns After Trying To Save His Son In Moss Landing

MOSS LANDING, CA — A Salinas man reportedly drowned after he jumped into rough waters at Moss Landing State Beach Sunday to save his 12-year-old son, according to KSBW 8 and county officials.

Rescue crews responded Sunday evening but the search was called off Monday, the Monterey County Sheriff's Department said. The man was identified as George Botello, 32, KSBW 8 reported.

Botello was on the beach Sunday afternoon when his son was pulled into the water by a wave, officials said. The boy's father went after his son but was pulled out to sea in the process, Derrel Simpson of the Monterey County sheriff's office told KSBW 8.

Read more from KSBW 8: Search ends for Salinas father last seen in the ocean near Moss Landing

Botello was later seen further out in the waters, but crews were not able to reach him in time. The boy was pulled to safety by a bystander, Simpson told KSBW 8.

The search was halted due to nightfall, sheriff's officials said.

First responders with the California State Parks, Monterey Fire Department, Coast Guard and Monterey County Sheriff's Office participated in the search, officials said.