Russian River drowning victim identified as Richmond man

3 Russian River drownings in July

Three people have died in separate drowning incidents on the Russian River in July.

FORESTVILLE, Calif. - A man who drowned in the Russian River after jumping in with a rope swing over the weekend has been identified.

Victim was from Richmond

What we know:

The victim was 35-year-old Nelshon Hamilton of Richmond, according to the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office.

Hamilton’s body was recovered Sunday near Forest Hills, a day after he went missing in the river.

Deputies responded just before 5:35 p.m. Saturday to the Hacienda Bridge after reports that a man had used a rope swing to jump into the water and did not resurface.

Fire crews and deputies searched the river on Saturday but were unable to locate him. His body was recovered around 11:20 a.m. Sunday.

3 drownings in July

By the numbers:

In July, there were three separate deaths on the Russian River, and they could possibly have been avoided if the victims were wearing life jackets that are readily available.

"I think the county has been doing an excellent job of promoting life jackets. And, honestly, I think that's probably the number one issue with safety — aside from alcohol and a lot of people partying. And then this swing that keeps appearing under the bridge," said a Forestville resident.

Illegal swing ropes on the Hacienda Bridge are a constant concern.

"Our wonderful Sonoma County Department of Public Works was here at 7:05 a.m. this morning and dismantled it and took it down," said another resident who wished to only be identified as Lori.

She thinks another rope will be up by the weekend, saying, "I wouldn't be surprised,"

From 2019 to 2024, 13 people, or about 2 people a year, died on the Russian River. This year alone, there have been three deaths and summer is still here.