A Laytonville man, Anthony Sasso, tragically died after jumping into the Eel River near Dos Rios. Emergency responders, including the California Highway Patrol and Round Valley Tribal Police, attempted to save Sasso but were unable to reach him due to the river’s depth. The Little Lake Fire Department’s swift-water rescue team eventually retrieved Sasso’s body. Witnesses reported that Sasso appeared to be in distress after jumping off a 25-to-30-foot rock into the 20-to-25-foot deep section of the river. Ukiah Daily Journal reported

Laytonville Man Dies After Jumping into Eel River

A tragic incident occurred on Monday when a Laytonville man lost his life after jumping into the Eel River near Dos Rios, according to the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO).

The MCSO received a distress call on July 31, around 4:40 p.m., reporting a possible drowning in the Eel River along Highway 162. Officers from the California Highway Patrol and Round Valley Tribal Police were the first to arrive at the scene and immediately plunged into the river in an attempt to rescue the individual.

Despite their efforts, the deputies and fire personnel who followed were unable to reach the man due to the river’s deep section near mile marker 12 on Hwy. 162.

Fortunately, the Little Lake Fire Department’s swift-water rescue unit arrived to assist. At approximately 6 p.m., they successfully retrieved the deceased individual, later identified as 54-year-old Anthony Sasso from Laytonville.

During their investigation, deputies discovered that Sasso had gone to the river with a friend. A witness reported seeing him jump off a rock approximately 25 to 30 feet above the river’s surface into a section that was around 20 to 25 feet deep. Sasso seemed to be in distress and sank to the river’s bottom after the jump. Due to the lack of cellular service in the area, nearby road workers were notified, and emergency services were requested.

This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with reckless behavior near bodies of water. Authorities urge caution and adherence to safety measures to prevent such unfortunate incidents in the future.

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