Fire official calls reservoir where uncle, nephew drowned a 'death trap'

Andrea Verdin

Staff Writer

Sunday, July 5^th, 2009.
Issue 27, Volume 13.

Story Last Updated : Jul 7th.

A three-year-old boy and his 26-year-old uncle, residents of Perris, drowned while fishing at an agriculture reservoir in De Luz on the Fourth of July.

It is assumed that Gabriel Ramos, 3, fell in the water during a fishing expedition with his uncle, Fernando Damian Molina Apeitia, and the man drowned trying to save his nephew, said De Luz Fire Chief Mike Manchor.

Apeitia had taken Ramos fishing at the reservoir while they were in the area for a family Fourth of July celebration. When the duo did not reappear, Ramos' mother and a female family member went in search of them, and found Ramos found floating in the water. Apeitia was nowhere to be found.

Ramos was taken to the Cal Fire station in De Luz, about two miles away from the reservoir.

"The mother was obviously very distraught," said Cal Fire Captain Brian Nuñez, who was on call when Ramos was brought in. "Once we started CPR [on the child], we were made aware that there may be another drowning victim; [Apeitia] was missing."

Ramos was taken by medical helicopter to Palomar Pomerado Hospital in Escondido, but was unable to be revived and was pronounced dead.

Meanwhile, the De Luz Volunteer Fire Department arrived at the reservoir to aid in the search for Apeitia.

"There was no sign of the victim because the water was overgrown with algae," said Manchor. "A pair of shoes and a hat were floating in the water; and a fishing pole was next to the pond."

The reservoir, which was surrounded by a five-foot tall fence, was approximately 100 by 300 feet, said Manchor, and was so murky with algae that the firefighters couldn't see the bottom of the reservoir.

Manchor said that even though the water was only about 10-feet deep, the reservoir walls were steep, and lined with rubber matting, making it impossible to get out of.

"Even if they could swim, they would have had a difficult time getting out," said Manchor. "There was no ladder for them to use, and the edges were steep. That thing is a death trap."

Diving teams from Oceanside, Del Mar and Encinitas were among some of the agencies responding to the rescue call, along with Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies.

"It was a multi-agency effort," said Manchor. "There were 28 divers, 25 fighters, six fire engines, eight lifeguards and four Sheriff’s vehicles."

Divers entered the water at about midnight, and found Apeitia's body within three minutes. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The San Diego Medical Examiner's Office completed the autopsies on Monday, June 6, stating the cause of death was drowning in both cases.

(PREVIOUS STORY)

DE LUZ- A 3-year-old boy and his 26-year-old uncle, both Perris residents, apparently drowned while fishing on the Fourth of July at a Fallbrook reservoir in San Advertisement
Diego County, officials said today.

Investigators believe the boy, Gabriel Ramos, fell in the water, and his uncle, Fernando Damian Molina Apeitia, drowned while trying to save him, said Cal Fire Chief Nick Schuler.

"The sides of the reservoir are very slippery and difficult to get out once in the water," Schuler said.

The two were visiting relatives Saturday in Fallbrook and went to the reservoir on Teneja Truck Trail to fish, Schuler said.

When they didn't return, family members went to the fishing spot and found the 3-year-old floating. They pulled him out and drove him to a fire station, Schuler said.

Efforts to save the boy were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead at Palomar Medical Center at 8:40 p.m. Saturday, according to the San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office.

Rescue divers found Apeitia on the bottom of the reservoir, Schuler said. Autopsies are pending.

UPDATE: Sun. July 5, 11:30 am

According to the San Diego medical examiner's office, the 3-year-old who drowned yesterday while fishing in a reservoir on Tenaja Truck Trail was Gabriel Ramos from Perris, Ca. His uncle, who was also found deceased in the reservoir, was a single man, 26-year-old Fernando Damian Molina Apeitia, also from Perris. Apeitia's cause of death has yet to be determined.

Both victims were visiting family in Fallbrook for the 4th of July. See original story below

Original Story

FALLBROOK - A 3-year-old Perris boy apparently drowned while fishing at a Fallbrook reservoir with his uncle, who was later found dead at the bottom of the reservoir by rescue divers, police said today.

The toddler and his family were visiting relatives in Fallbrook, according to the San Diego medical examiner. He and his uncle went down to the reservoir on Teneja Truck Trail to fish on the July 4th holiday.

When they didn't return, family members went to the fishing spot, found the 3-year-old floating on the surface of the water, pulled him out and drove him to the local fire station, according to the medical examiner.

Despite repeated attempts to revive the toddler by firefighters and personnel at Palomar Medical Center, he was pronounced dead at 8:40 p.m. Saturday.

His uncle's body was later discovered at the bottom of the reservoir by rescue divers, the medical examiner disclosed, but did not cite the adult's death as an apparent drowning. His name was also not released, although the toddler's family name was given as Ramos.

San Diego sheriff's deputies are assisting with an investigation, but a watch commander called this morning could offer no additional information. Fire rescue personnel could not be immediately reached for comment.

66 comments for "Fire official calls reservoir where uncle, nephew drowned a 'death trap'"

8:36 am Sun, Jul 5^th, 2009

1. Alice B. T. says :

Gee, this article is word for word from the County Coroner's Press Release. That's some investigative reporting!

8:39 am Sun, Jul 5^th, 2009

2. Valley Editor says :

Alice B.T.
Not sure why you would think this is an investigative news piece. It doesn't indicate that anywhere. We print news everyday from many agencies, organizations, etc.

8:59 am Sun, Jul 5^th, 2009

3. jimmy lightsey says :

Sad that was all Alice B.T.had to say about this. May God bless the Family in this time of sorrow .

9:42 am Sun, Jul 5^th, 2009

4. mom of lots says :

Thank you Valley Editor for taking the time out of your weekend to share with us a tragedy that our neighbors are suffering. Prayers are with you Ramos family and may God give you the peace that passes all understanding.

9:43 am Sun, Jul 5^th, 2009

5. anonymous says :

Valley Editor, I don't want to be too harsh on you-- I can imagine just how limited your paper's resources probably are. Nonetheless, I can't let what you wrote to Alice pass without comment. True, the article isn't labeled as an 'investigative piece', per se. But I don't think Alice was thinking about story category as much as about journalism in general. EVERY good article involves investigation (i.e., research), thinking and skepticism on the part of the reporter. Any article that simply repeats what was faxed to a news outlet as a press release is something less than good.

Again, I'm sure your ability to research stories is quite limited there. But let's not kid ourselves that when "we print news everyday from many agencies, organizations, etc." we're engaging in journalism. That's P.R.

9:49 am Sun, Jul 5^th, 2009

6. Valley Editor says :

Anonymous, thank you for your concern. The fact of the matter is that we never received a press release or any PR from the medical examiner's office. I happened to see a helicopter go to the DeLuz area and started looking for what might have happened (watching for fire) when I found this horrible information. That's why the medical examiner's office is referenced.

11:50 am Sun, Jul 5^th, 2009

7. Concerned in Escondido says :

Why can't we just be saddened about the tragedy and not be critical of those reporting on it. This article has more details than the San Diego Union-Tribune had! What a horrible day for that family.

2:12 pm Sun, Jul 5^th, 2009

8. waffgolf says :

My prayers go out to this grief stricken family and for the Lord to comfort them through this. I hope people don't close this beautiful area because of this , we are quickly losing outdoor areas to fish and hike and i hope this tragedy doesn't ruin it for others.

2:12 pm Sun, Jul 5^th, 2009

9. Temecula resident says :

My sincere condolences to the family on their tragedy.

I appreciate Valley News for local news postings like these. There seems to be a dearth of local news sources so when Valley News posts these articles in a timely matter I really don't care if the piece is original or from some reputable source. At least we're being made aware of it.

2:12 pm Sun, Jul 5^th, 2009

10. SDisHome says :

first off, my thoughts are with the family.

second, Lay off the paper, man. They bring us news. you read it here first, so they must have doen their job. Not EVERY article involves investigation. The Valley News was bringing us just that, the News. Perhaps they could do a follow up piece about whatever events led to this tragedy. News is based in fact, and that's what Valley News brought us here. Journalism involves thinking and skepticism on the part of the reporter, but thats no what was necessary here.

7:01 am Mon, Jul 6^th, 2009

11. Fallbrookian says :

I was headed toward Oceanside and saw all the rescue vehicles, one towing a boat, several with surfboards. All four lifeguard vehicles were headed into Fallbrook with lights and sirens going. I searched everywhere for the answers. Low and behold, I found them in our local paper. Good job, because no one else was covering the story.

8:46 am Mon, Jul 6^th, 2009

12. Monica says :

First of all my heart goes out to the family. I can't even imagine what they are going through right now. We all need to say some prayers. Secondly, I'm with everyone else lay off paper. I love this website you get all the local news that's nowhere else.

8:46 am Mon, Jul 6^th, 2009

13. Pete says :

If this story wasn't so sad, I'd be laughing at the some of the comments. I live in L.A. and get the LA Times. The Times, a major U.S. paper, prints press releases everyday without adding anything. This is NORMAL. As has been said, there is no reason for this to be an "investigative" piece.

9:04 am Mon, Jul 6^th, 2009

14. Skipp says :

Can anyone tell me if fishing is allowed in these reservoirs. Was it legal for them to be there in the first place?

9:32 am Mon, Jul 6^th, 2009

15. dr common sense says :

a sad story, one can only imagine the horror felt by the boys uncle as he realized their fate. just the thought ties my insides into a knot. my sympathy goes out to the family in this difficult time.

11:11 am Mon, Jul 6^th, 2009

16. Skipp says :

I don't know about the rest of you, but as a parent, I would never let my 3 year old go on an unsupervised day trip with anyone. I don't care if it was with a relative or not.

11:11 am Mon, Jul 6^th, 2009

17. Blog Marshall says :

Nice heartfelt sympathy post "Skipp". Im sure your last name is "Church". My condolences to the families of these two.

1:34 pm Mon, Jul 6^th, 2009

18. sKIPP says :

I understand that the the area they were in is clearly marked "No Trespassing", "No Swimming", and "No Fishing". I've got no sympathy.

4:16 pm Mon, Jul 6^th, 2009

19. Michelle says :

Wow Skipp you are a parent and can actually say that.sad.I feel sorry for your children. Talk about a cold heart .My deepest sympathy goes to the family .

4:16 pm Mon, Jul 6^th, 2009

20. Ray says :

Now I have never been in this area so I can only go by the story that the area has a fence all around it, am I correct in assuming? So they had to trespass to gain access to this area? We are responsible for our actions and if you see a fence and signs saying no trespassing, you figure your not allowed there. Another are the signs in both english and spanish? Too often today we MUST cater to people who refuse to learn the language and wind up in these types of situations. If you were to list all the languages spoken in this country, a sign would be a mile long, that is why... one language.. english.. one culture.. American.

5:22 pm Mon, Jul 6^th, 2009

21. Skipp says :

Don't blame me. A 3 year old is still a baby. What kind of parents would let their baby go unsupervised fo a whole day. I am sick and tired of reading stories just like this one that occur almost daily because the parents have little responsibilty for their children.

5:22 pm Mon, Jul 6^th, 2009

22. Cranky says :

Ray, I'm pretty sure that a fence is fairly universal in it's meaning. I could see a fence in Russia and know that someone didn't want me behind it. I do agree with what your saying though. Do we need signs at the edge of all cliffs to keep people from jumping off it? I feel bad for the three year old kid, but that is about it.

7:12 pm Mon, Jul 6^th, 2009

23. Ray says :

Cranky; Getting to like your humor, a Sara Palin reference. Seems we do, many signs at the border in plain english and spanish but they still cross over so maybe we need signs everywhere.

7:31 am Tue, Jul 7^th, 2009

24. ISOLATED WATER AREA says :

A responsible family would see to it that any child or adult going to an isolated NO trespassing, NO fishing water area would be wearing a flotation device. The adult disregarded the signs posted on a fenced private piece of property. The parents should be investigated for allowing another adult to take their child to an ILLEGAL ISOLATED WATER AREA May the innocent child rest in peace.

7:32 am Tue, Jul 7^th, 2009

25. Doug says :

My condolences to the family.

Alice B.T.- WTF is your problem?

7:50 am Tue, Jul 7^th, 2009

26. two subjects here says :

Unfortunately the discussion on what is journalism has landed on a news story.
It looks that what Alice B.T. wanted to do is open a dialogue on how the news is covered these days. This means that newspapers are increasingly not hiring journalists and buying news service copy to save money. Ergo all news comes from one place.
Perhaps there might be a better place to discuss the quality of news reporting in modern American and the Internet some place else but I don't see that forum here.
The quality that was on the upswing with the Valley News has sadly gone south as with all papers. What seem to be articles are in fact local wire service (often with errors), verbatim press releases, veiled advertisements and poorly written articles by those without journalistic experience.
But the public wants their news fast -- not correct or factual.

7:51 am Tue, Jul 7^th, 2009

27. mom of lots says :

That is a lot of response from "multi-agencies"- “It was a multi-agency effort,” said Manchor. “There were 24 divers, 25 fighters, six fire engines, eight lifeguards and four Sheriff’s vehicles.” Don't you think there should have been more responsibility on the agencies' part to make sure we are sending only the necessary people?
My condolences and prayers to the family- this is a horrifying and tragic accident, I have been thinking about the three year old's mommy since I read about this. May the peace of God that passes all understanding be with you.

9:23 am Tue, Jul 7^th, 2009

28. Dave says :

To "mom of lots", First of all, there were not 24 divers. That was a typo by the VN. But with that said are you an expert in search and rescue, the lifeguard service, the fire service or law enforcement? I suggest you base your opinions on fact and not your perceptions. These agencies do not just send out unneeded resources, especially in the case of lifeguards and dive teams. Additionally, there is an incredible amount of logistical support needed for these type of rescues to keep the operations safe for all involved.

9:42 am Tue, Jul 7^th, 2009

29. Ray says :

two subjects here: I disagree. The FBVN has improved over the years. The problem is that Fallbrook is a small community and not much happens here. Before I used to call the FBVN "the garden club weekly" but it's starting to report "real news". Every publication makes mistakes, the NCT has a place on the bottom daily listing all their corrections. As community papers go and I read many, it's one of the good ones.

9:53 am Tue, Jul 7^th, 2009

30. mk says :

thanks dave, for saying that i was one of the firefighters there. So i wish all you people would just shut up. It was a very sad incedent and prayers should be going out to the family, not bitching about the newspaper. have some feelings.

10:17 am Tue, Jul 7^th, 2009

31. Ray says :

mk: I also feel sorry when someone so young dies but you have to understand they reasons why this happened in the first place, that too needs to be considered. Would you go around a railroad crossing when a train is coming? would you pick up a downed power line when it's raining? Would you jump in the lion's cage at the zoo? People MUST be responsible for their actions and their results. I went down to this area on Monday and what I saw in order to gain access, one had to actually break in. no means no... no matter. Tough lesson learned here.

12:02 pm Tue, Jul 7^th, 2009

32. justwondering says :

Horrible.The family must live forever with this..as well as the property owners who apparently did everything they could to prevent something like this.signs and a fence. Persons are responsible for THEMSELVES. Who is going to pay for the agencies who responded to this> I applaud their efforts..I feel for the baby..their live has changed forever.This seems like a preventable accident. Lesson? Dont tresspass!! It too is against the law when signs are posted.

12:03 pm Tue, Jul 7^th, 2009

33. mk says :

oh by the way they did have permission

12:03 pm Tue, Jul 7^th, 2009

34. mk says :

i dont think you were down here because the place is hard to find and if you knew anything the access isnt that hard and thats all im saying

12:47 pm Tue, Jul 7^th, 2009

35. dr common sense says :

mk:
i was thinking that was a possibility them having permission, since the family being visited lived in Deluz and being we have a tight knit community they could possibly have been fishing this spot for years with the blessing of property owners, who is to say? i think all of the finger pointing should wait until ALL of the facts are on the table. where did you get that info?

Comment Continued : The comment above was written from the same location.

12:59 pm Tue, Jul 7^th, 2009

36. dr common sense says :

ray: i am picking up what you are putting down, but your reference to railroad crossing, or picking up power lines, jumping in a lions cage are much different than an uncle taking his nephew fishing fence or not. i feel regardless of the presence of a fence there should be a way to get out of the reservoir a ladder, rope, something. what if a person with permitted access fell in?
secondly, this is not the forum for blaming, people are mourning and i am sure they read these posts my opinion is in a time of trial and tribulation such as this folks can use support not criticism.
third, i agree lay off of the village news.

2:41 pm Tue, Jul 7^th, 2009

37. another white guy says :

dr common sense- common sense was not excercised and a tragedy occured. we should have signs that read "Use Common Sense" in really big red letters in at least ten different languages. poor kid wasn't old enough to be left alone with a negligent adult. Also we should ban water because it is deadly.

2:42 pm Tue, Jul 7^th, 2009

38. mk says :

and this didnt not happen at rd. mtn resevior

2:42 pm Tue, Jul 7^th, 2009

39. mom of lots says :

Dave and mk: slow down guys, I appreciate so much all law enforcement (as one myself before I had children), firefighters, dive teams, safety, etc. I just was inquiring about all of the agencies involved and it seemed like a lot of people. The typo helps explain it. Also, prudency and frugality without compromising safety are necessary in a hostile economy.

3:21 pm Tue, Jul 7^th, 2009

40. SafeBoater says :

This is a tragic accident and my heart goes out to the victim’s and their family. It is important that we take precautions when engaging in any sort of water activity, http://www.BoatResponsibly has good safety tips. Children should always wear a life jacket while engaging in water activities. Everyone be safe out there.

3:22 pm Tue, Jul 7^th, 2009

41. Ray says :

The only flaw in your argument was "trespass". Now maybe MK might be right about permission, think not because these places have high currents, thus the fence and we can't label or equip everything for everyone. What ever happened to "common sense" . Now I know we don't know the full story but I really don't think signs would be posted for everyone except one. SLRD Country Club has the same problem. Signs posted and the fish were all gone until the owner "Vessels" a well known person in our community stopped stocking his ponds. If you have a fence and signs posted than legally there is no threat so a laddar would not be required. I feel sorry for people who cross our borders ignoring the signs in 100 degree temps, but is it our fault. PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY governs our actions.

3:23 pm Tue, Jul 7^th, 2009

42. mk says :

im one of the firefighters that was there so i think i know a little about wht happened. and please dont ask details.

7:00 am Wed, Jul 8^th, 2009

43. Caliber says :

hey 'mk' the so called firefighter, I could care less about the details but thanks for letting us know NOTHING.

Comment Continued : The comment above was written from the same location.

7:00 am Wed, Jul 8^th, 2009

44. Caliber says :

Michael Jackson was a tragedy this story was just plain stupidity.. Too bad a young kid had to die for some moron who happens to be a uncle who lacks common sense. RIP to the 3 year old

7:01 am Wed, Jul 8^th, 2009

45. William Roush says :

Am I surprised that Ray will argue with a fire fighter that was on the scene till he is blue in the face?

Also, mk, I appreciate what you guys do out there every day (I've always wanted to say that to our firefighters/paramedics).

8:27 am Wed, Jul 8^th, 2009

46. Village News Editor says :

Note: The amount of divers responding to the call was not a typo. This has been confirmed with witnesses on scene.

9:47 am Wed, Jul 8^th, 2009

47. Ray says :

Willie: When did I argue with a firefighter? I just said if there was a fence around the place, the broke in. Bifocals not working properly?

11:41 am Wed, Jul 8^th, 2009

48. McCoy says :

My condolences go out to the Ramos and Apeitia families.

RAY HAVE SOME COMMON SENSE BY LEARNING TO SHUT YOUR MOUTH AND KEEPING YOUR OPINION TO YOURSELF (HAVE SOME RESPECT).

MK: Thanks for clarifying that the family had permission to be in the area.

1:01 pm Wed, Jul 8^th, 2009

49. mom of lots says :

Thank you Village News Editor for clarifying that the amount of divers on the scene was not a typo. So, Dave, now
I am wondering why you said that this was a typo, which gives what you say less credence now). There were 28 divers total that responded. Do you think 28 divers is necessary for a 100 by 300 ft area? Anyone good at math? How many divers per square foot?

1:02 pm Wed, Jul 8^th, 2009

50. Ray says :

McCoy: The story didn't say they had permission, we were trying to find out if they did. Now if they did, than I see a lawsuit looming. As for arguing, others had the same questions. so please, take your own advise.

10:32 pm Wed, Jul 8^th, 2009

51. Caliber says :

28 divers ? thats a a lot for a small area.. Tough losing such a young kid on something that could of been avoided.. Hope the parents don't beat themselves up over it.

10:32 pm Wed, Jul 8^th, 2009

52. fallres says :

Mom of lots: Are you a firefighter or lifeguard? Do you have any professional experience at rescue diving and what it takes? No. But I'm sure you stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

Comment Continued : The comment above was written from the same location.

10:32 pm Wed, Jul 8^th, 2009

53. Steve says :

Good Lord, get a life people! How can a simple article get turned in to all this controversy? Let me see, the firefighters and divers send too many people to help rescue someone, the Village News doesn't gather their facts, the property owner was at fault for not putting a special ladder in his private reservoir that was fenced off. Hmmm.....I'll bet some of you are the reason we can't get hot coffee at McDonalds anymore without signing a release form!
P.S. My condolences to the family and friends.

7:35 am Thu, Jul 9^th, 2009

54. William Roush says :

@Steve:
"How can a simple article get turned in to all this controversy?"
Easy, Mom Of Lots and Ray are involved.

8:59 am Thu, Jul 9^th, 2009

55. mom of lots says :

No controversy here. Steve, you have it backwards. Over 65 people responded to this scene because of all the red tape involved. (Similar to having to sign a release form for getting coffee at McDonalds).
My condolences to the family. Rest in peace dear child!

9:00 am Thu, Jul 9^th, 2009

56. Frosty says :

But ,Mom of Lots and Ray are fun! Terrible ,horrible ,awful tragedy! The only thing worse would be a Marine Sergeant and his wife being brutally murdered by his own soldiers in his own home.

9:56 am Thu, Jul 9^th, 2009

57. dg says :

Yeah, mom of lots is probably the same type of person that says our firefighters send too many people to a fire or a traffic accident. I guess she's the expert. How does that go...facts vs. perception. In her case, perception is fact. She just calls it red tape.

12:24 pm Thu, Jul 9^th, 2009

58. mom of lots says :

Do you have to be a chef to have an opinion about someone's cooking? Do you have to be the President of the United States to have an opinion about how he is doing his job? Do you have to be a tax collector to have an opinion on how much taxes are being taken? No, I am not a firefighter, I am not a professional diver. And I do not need to be to have an opinion. I believe that it is altrusitic and wonderful to have volunteer efforts in the thousands. When it costs money, I believe that prudence and frugality are to be applauded. Six fire engines, 28 divers, 25 fighters, 4 Sherrifs vehicles and 8 lifeguards seems more than necessary. I appreciate each person and their efforts. As individuals, these men (and women) are the cream of the crop. With every emergency, there is always the practical side of things to handle and consider. Quit being mad that I have this opinion. This is not fact speaking, this is opinion speaking. And, yes, there is too much red tape- you should see the mountain fulls of paperwork and paper pushing that occurs for each person involved. I know, I am a previous law enforcement employee. And no, dg, I am not the same type of person that says too many people are sent to traffic accidents and fires- not at all. I am commenting on this specific incident.

1:59 pm Thu, Jul 9^th, 2009

59. wth says :

mom of lots we totally agree with your OPINION on the excessive amount of rescue people sent to this. Emotions are raw when a child looses his life. Those responders became UNAVAILABLE for other emergencies by being in DeLuz. Sympathy abounds for the families..property owner and family of child and uncle.

2:00 pm Thu, Jul 9^th, 2009

60. resident says :

What about that proposed charge for responders to accidents?

How much would it be for 28 divers, 25 firefighters, 6 fire engines, 8 life guards and 4 Sheriff's vehicles....even if some of the fire fighters were volunteers from DeLuz?

This one would be a doozy.

7:25 am Fri, Jul 10^th, 2009

61. deluzfire says :

No charge, it only applies to vehicle accidents. The insurance company of the at fault party gets the bill. The parties involved never see a thing.

8:33 am Fri, Jul 10^th, 2009

62. Caliber says :

This is not a online Obituary guest book or a sympathy card. It's a news article that we are commenting on. Some people think we have to give condolences in every article cause someone died, Wrong !! Post what your thoughts are no matter what others say.. As I have above..

8:23 am Sat, Jul 11^th, 2009

63. caku says :

Have some respect!! People die everyday...If it was one of you or your family members you would even want the same or more people on the scene to help save a love one. Think about it.....The greatest tragedy isn't death, but life without purpose.

8:24 am Sat, Jul 11^th, 2009

64. Chief Manchor says :

This started as a child rescue, followed by the closing of a major road artery, Then a Mercy Air ambulance landing, then a report of a second victim and a search and rescue in an extremely seclude spot not on the maps. Next add in the Darkness, No street lights, A narrow, steep, deep ag-pond cover with algae, a language barrier between the victim and the first responders, a pair of shoes floating in the water and a deserted fishing pole alondside the edge. This was not a clear and easy evolution.
There was just the right amount of personnel at the scene, 28 life guard/divers showed up total to do a complicated recovery operation. Only six went in the dark water , the remaining personnel were need to assist the them. And the firefighters assisted with setting up portable generators and Spot lamps, placing ladders down the edge of the pond, deconning the divers as the came out.
This was a tragic and dangerous rescue/recovery operation that required a large amount of personnel to be down safely. If it were your child or brother floating in that pond that night, you would want every available asset there to get them out. These were extra personnel that were an duty for the holiday , no other incident in the County was left short-handed.
Thank you to the crews of CALFIRE 3360, 3361, 3161, E12, NCFP 1191, Mercy Air 5, De Luz VFD1865, 1881, Sheriff Dept and the San Diego County Life Guard search and rescue teams from Del Mar, Encinitis, Escondido, Oceanside, and Carlsbad. They all performed professionally and successfully in a stressful situation. We too feel the pain from what we saw that night.
Scenes like this stay with us. Let's remember the victims family. The cries of that mother in her pain that night....
will be remembered by all who were there. My heart goes out to her.

3:29 pm Mon, Jul 13^th, 2009

65. just me says :

i personally know the parents of the 3 year old and they are very responsible family. they CARE so much about their little boy. this was a sad loss for them. as for SKIPP, u dont know what people go through in life! if u must know, the mother had a doctors visit because she is expecting another child. my heart goes out 2 the family. may God b with u.. we send our thoughts and prayers out to you all..

8:30 am Thu, Jul 16^th, 2009

66. hmm says :

Appreciate the input from Chief. Wish more would write when articles are written to set facts vs fiction and assumption. Thanks.That would have been nice to get facts about the mom arrested and the girl being brought into fallbrook Hospital..maybe facts would hav been appropriate there too. Again thanks

Fire official calls reservoir where uncle, nephew drowned a 'death trap'

66 comments for "Fire official calls reservoir where uncle, nephew drowned a 'death trap'"

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