34-year-old swept away while rafting on American River identified by Sacramento coroner
By Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee
June 17, 2024
On Monday, June 17, 2024, the Coroner’s Office identified the man as Zongchar Moua, 34. Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District A man, who fell into the American River and drowned while rafting with a large party on Saturday, has been identified by the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office. Zongchar Moua, 34, was aboard a raft near the Clay Banks in Rancho Cordova when he was swept away by swift currents, said Battalion Chief Parker Wilbourn, a spokesman for the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District.
Moua was not wearing a life jacket when he disappeared underwater. Authorities deployed two helicopters, divers using sonar and other methods to canvass the area on Saturday and Sunday. The man’s body was recovered Sunday morning. The coroner said Moua died on Sunday. His cause of death is listed as undetermined pending a further autopsy.
As Saturday’s search took place, firefighters were called five miles downstream about 3:45 p.m. to another water rescue near the 2500 block of East Tiffany Lane in Rancho Cordova. There, crews in boats found several wayward floaters, including two people who appeared stranded in snags, or tree branches sticking out of the river, Wilbourn said. An additional three people nearby were helped out of the water by personnel from Metro Fire, the Sheriff’s Office and county parks officials.
Residents seeking respite from sweltering temperatures should wear life jackets before jumping into capital region waterways. The life-saving devices are available at several river access points and fire departments. A sizable Sierra snowpack has led to river levels that are higher and faster than usual for this time of year.
