Location: Tule River, Springville

Incident Date: 5-17-20

Incident Time: 1600HRS

City: Springville

Posted by: Media Relations

Just after 4 p.m. on 5/17/20, Tulare County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a rescue call at “The Stairs” on the Tule River above Springville.

When Deputies arrived, they were told that a 17 year-old boy from the Los Angeles area had gone for a swim around 4pm and became swept up in a very dangerous area. He was in the rapids for about 10-20 minutes before being pulled out by bystanders. The Victim was unresponsive when he was transported to Sierra View Hospital, where he died.

The victim has been identified as 17-year-old Juan Hernandez of Los Angeles. 

As warmer temperatures set in, Sheriff Boudreaux wants to remind everyone of the dangers the lurk in our local waterways. The water may seem enticing, but it can be incredibly dangerous. NEVER enter “white water”. And always wear a life jacket.