Groveland, CA…Yesterday morning just before 11:30 AM, the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office received a call for help regarding a possible drowning. A 35 year old man along with a group of friends, hiked to the Cherry Bomb Gorge on Cherry Creek in the Groveland area. The group started down the rapids on their kayaks when one overturned in the water. When he emerged from the rapids unconscious, his friends pulled him out of the water and began CPR. A nearby kayaker used a satellite phone to call for help.

Lower left hand side is Cherry Lake.
Above it is the Cherry Bomb Gorge leading into the creek.

Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team, who are trained in swift water rescue, responded to the scene along with the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office Helicopter. Upon arrival the 35 year old man was determined to be deceased. The man was airlifted from the scene to the Columbia Airport where a Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office Coroner awaited his arrival.

The name of the deceased will not be released at this time until the next of kin is notified.
This Gorge is a popular destination for experienced kayakers. Search and Rescue members described the current gorge conditions as very treacherous and dangerous due to the high water level and speed of flow.

We send our deepest condolences to the family and friends on their tragic loss.

Update:
The man who sadly lost his life this morning is Logan Farrell of Portland Oregon. His family was notified this evening