Witnesses: Teen Drowns While Trying To Save Child At Tiscornia Park

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – A 19-year-old boy's family is in mourning after a day at the beach turned tragic Sunday afternoon after he drowned trying to save a child.

Witnesses say the teen drowned after jumping in to save a 5-year-old relative.

The little boy survived, the teen did not.

"It took 15 minutes to get him out of the water," said witness Azmat Khan.

Samuel and Foncie Wilson watched the frantic efforts by a crowd of beach goers to save both lives.

"I've never seen anyone drown and that was very terrifying. One of the park rangers jumped right on in," Samuel said.

This section of water where the Sacramento and American rivers meet has been a deadly one this year, with this drowning making at least 9 deaths by Sacramento Fire Department's count.

"I'm just sad for the family, I'm really sad for the family," Samuel said.

Rescue crews found the victim 15 feet below the surface. He was not wearing a life vest.