Full Notification

On 8/5/2023, at about 1741 hours, deputies from the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, Kern Valley Substation and personnel from the Kern County Fire Department were dispatched to the area of Sandy Flat Campground, in the lower Kern River for a report of a male subject missing in the water. A Hispanic male in his 30’s, approximately 5’8”, 160 pounds, wearing red shorts, was last seen in the river being overcome by the current. The Kern County Sheriff’s Office, Kern Valley Search and Rescue Unit arrived to help in the rescue attempt.  

KCSO and KCFD personnel had seen the male under water at times in different locations during the rescue attempt. At about 1854 hours, units had lost a visual of the male and was last seen going down stream. The search was limited during the nighttime hours. Additional resources will continue to search during the day when visibility is better.   

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kern County Sheriff’s Office at (661)861-3110 or Secret Witness at (661)322-4040.