A Victorville man perished while trying to save his dog who had fallen into the California Aqueduct on Tuesday afternoon. According to CBS Los Angeles, the victim, identified as 58-year-old Lucas Hermenegildo, drowned after falling into the water while trying to rescue his dog, who had slipped into the aqueduct.
Hermenegildo and his wife had been walking along the canal, between Highway 395 and the I-15 Freeway, with his wife and dogs when one of the dogs slipped into the water. When the man attempted to save his dog, he fell into the water and drowned – according to the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department, Hermenegildo was in the aqueduct for approximately 10-15 minutes before he rescuers were able to pull him out.
The dog who Hermenegildo lost his life trying to save managed to escape harm.
Officials almost always advise against jumping into water to save the life of a dog…but when it comes to our four-legged companions, heeding that rule-of-thumb can be difficult to do. More often than not, dogs are more capable to safely returning to dry land than their human counterparts.
In a statement about the tragic incident, the Hesperia Police Department warned of the hidden danger, “The Hesperia Sheriff’s Station wants to remind citizens that even though the water on the surface of the aqueduct appears calm and slow moving, there is an undertow that is very fast moving and can pull a person under. Always use caution when walking along the aqueduct and maintain distance from the edge.”
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(Photo screenshot via KTLA News)
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Such a horrible thing for this wife to witness. Prayers for her and her family. Like many of us would do, Mr Hermenegildo was only trying to save his dog. I’m so sorry this ended so badly for him. Rest in peace Mr Hermenegildo.
Prayers to his family
So sad for this man, RIP. Sorry for the family loss.
There is no hesitation in a heartbeat one of my babies in trouble I do the same! The fact he lost his life is sad for his wife! That’s one of their children so he did what he had to do!
So sad. The aqueduct water is very misleading with the surface looking so peaceful, calm, like glass. This man did what most of us would have done the same. RIP sir.
RIP Lucas. I would have done the same thing.
Oh no
So tragic this outcome