Ridgecrest woman drowns in Kern


Published on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 11:09 AM PDT

Cathy Perfect
Kern Valley Sun

For a group of visitors camping near Camp 3, just over the Tulare County line, tubing down the Kern River on a Saturday afternoon seemed like a stress-free way to beat the heat while enjoying the area’s scenic beauty. Without the benefit of life jackets, they were wrong ­­– dead wrong. About 11:30 a.m. Betty Warren, 40, of Ridgecrest, fell off her inner tube and never resurfaced, according to Tulare County Sheriff Sgt. Chris Douglass.

One member of the group provided some details, but was too distraught to continue or give his name. According to the young man, who appeared to be in his 20s, the party of five entered the Kern River, each riding on separate inner tubes. “We were just floating down the river; (Betty) was the last one in line,” he said. “We went over some rocks and she never came up. All we recovered was her tube and her hat.”

US Forest Service Engine Captain Chris Bryski, right, speaks with one of the drowning victim’s companions as first responders gather information about the circumstances of the drowning and where the victim was last seen.

Charles Garcia, of Bakersfield, was camping with his family and saw the group enter the water. “They took their tubes down stream and hit some rapids,” Garcia said. Pointing to the victim’s husband who stood nearby, Garcia said, “He came up and she didn’t. It’s real sad. They weren’t wearing life jackets.”

The Tulare County Search and Rescue Unit was dispatched and Deputy Randy Semic, first on the scene, kayaked in and around the area where Warren was last seen.

By 2:00 p.m. the balance of the Department’s Swift Water Rescue Team arrived and continued the search. Sgt. Douglass reported that Warren’s body was recovered about 8:00 p.m. The coroner was scheduled to perform an autopsy Tuesday, July 14, she said.

Upon hearing of the tragedy, John Ciani, of Ridgecrest said, “When you get in the Kern River, you’re taking chances.”

Two drownings, on June 27 and July 3, involved people swimming without life jackets in Isabella Lake.

Copyright © 2012 Kern Valley Sun

Comments

9 comment(s)

    Explaining wrote on Sep 14, 2009 9:53 PM:

    " To Temecula, reading back I was probably a little to ticked to probably post that. In truth what really got to me was some of the comments made on another article where many of the commentors suggested that the survivors should have to pay body retrival cost. That just sent my BP though the roof. I guess I was too involved because Betty was a good friend to us here in Korea and she was my Son's College Field rep for University of Maryland. I hear you. "

    Temecula wrote on Aug 13, 2009 9:32 AM:

    " “Shocked” why are you so angry? The ladies husband was TDY, they were currently in Ridgecrest, what is the problem? Then you wrote, “I will wait for one of you locals to get out of your element and point out your obvious error and see how that feels to you.” That is a spiteful statement to say to people you do not even know especially since you are not a local or resident and just “grew up in the area?!?!” These people were just voicing their concern for the safety of others and reiterating how important a life "

    Temecula wrote on Aug 13, 2009 9:22 AM:

    " I just read “never prophesies, especially about the future.” Yes, this lady should have been wearing a life jacket, but it is arrogant to say that she would still be here now if she did, none of us know that for a fact. Life jackets can and usually do save lives and should always be worn when in the river.
    My thoughts go out to the friends and family of this lady. "

    Shocked wrote on Aug 10, 2009 12:10 AM:

    " Just so you will know, this woman did not live in Ridgecrest, her husband was TDY to China Lake and that is what brought them to the river. I grew up in the area and yes the river is dangerous. So is Driving in Korea, and Crossing the road in Japan. Sure when an accident happens you always second guess your actions, could I have done something different? I will wait for one of you locals to get out of your element and point out your obvious error
    and see how that feels to you. "

    Jane wrote on Jul 19, 2009 10:04 PM:

    " I have no idea as to why this keeps happening. It's just so sad.

    God's blessings on her family. "

    Grieving wrote on Jul 15, 2009 11:45 PM:

    " Gosh this is very sad to see this happening time after time here in this area...why can't people just wear wear a safety device? It does not cost a whole lot and a life is priceless, both to the family members and those involved! Come on people....WISE UP!!! "

    Weekender wrote on Jul 15, 2009 11:07 PM:

    " When will this end? It's a rapid river. You need life jackets. "

    Ann wrote on Jul 15, 2009 10:29 PM:

    " Yet another drowning. Tragic. You can lead a horse to water...Chances are it will be wearing a life jacket. "

    kv res wrote on Jul 15, 2009 5:05 PM:

    " this is a sad story BUT if only she had worn a life vest she would still be here today this is a lesson to all of you who think it wont happen to you well think again be SMART WEAR A LIFE VEST.god bless her family "

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