HUGHSON — A Turlock man drowned in the Tuolumne River over the weekend after disappearing underwater near the Fox Grove Fishing Access, authorities said.
James Cagle, 44, was identified as the victim of the incident, which was reported around 4:44 p.m. Saturday.
According to Modesto Fire Department Battalion 2, three people had been swimming in the river when one of them went missing. A person on a jet ski was able to bring two swimmers safely to shore before emergency crews arrived.
Fire crews from Modesto and Hughson responded along with water‑rescue units. When they reached the scene, rescuers learned the third swimmer had not resurfaced. Cagle was later found underwater and pronounced dead.
Fire personnel assisted sheriff’s deputies with recovering the body from the river. Investigators believe the drowning was accidental.
The Sheriff’s Office said the case remains under investigation, but no foul play is suspected.
The Sheriff’s Office offers the following water safety tips:
Always wear a life jacket — “Most people think they can swim much farther than they actually can, and they quickly get themselves into trouble. The water is way colder than most people realize. And there are lots of hazards under the water that you can get caught in. Combine that with the current and you can’t get out of it. People need to be careful.” — Stanislaus County Sheriff Jeff Dirkse
Pay attention to signs — From current river-condition warnings to “no trespassing” signs, they’re there for a reason.
Steady, eddy — If you find yourself caught in the current, search for, and attempt to reach, an eddy near the bank. An eddy is a small, circular movement of water that runs counter to the main current.
“If you’re going downstream and you’re caught in that swift-moving water, look for those calm areas — you’ll actually see the water changing direction — and you’re not going to have to fight the force of the water. That’s a safe place to be and the best bet to get to safety.” — Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Dep. Randon Kirkbride
Canals are never an option — Turlock Irrigation District is reminding that canals are not ever intended for recreation.
