FREMONT — The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office reminded the public again Wednesday of safety precautions around water following the Memorial Day drowning of an 11-year-old girl in Alameda Creek.
Dana Nino Gonzalez drowned on May 27 in an area of the creek adjacent to Niles Canyon Road, north of Mission Boulevard.
“This tragedy saddens us,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement released Tuesday night that annouced the drowning. “We’d like to remind you of some safety measures to follow as you enjoy warm-weather activities near waterways. Adhere to posted warning/caution signs, make a safety plan, wear safety equipment such as a lifejacket, never swim alone and avoid getting in the water if you cannot swim or are unfamiliar with weather and water conditions.”
The sheriff’s office said Fremont police responded about 5:50 p.m. and saw community members trying to pull Dana from the water.
According to the sheriff’s office, she got stuck in a hole against a flow control structure.
Personnel from the Fremont Fire Department were able to pull Dana from the creek and continued life-saving measures while she was rushed by ambulance to Washington Hospital in Fremont. She died there.
The sheriff’s office took over the investigation, because the drowning happened in their jurisdiction. Members from the East Bay Regional Parks Police District also were involved in the rescue efforts.
