KCSO deputies investigate missing person near Delonegha day use site

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Kern County Search and Rescue teams patrolled the Kern River Saturday after reports of a young person had jumped into the water.

On July 6, the search started in the afternoon near the Delonegha campsite. Two days after a woman drowned in the Kern River, rescue teams searched for another person reported missing in the water.

“The first thing that comes to mind is someone’s dead,” said Vladamir Martinez, a nearby camper.

Vladamir Martinez got to the Kern River Canyon to camp Friday. On Saturday he saw multiple people swimming in the river shortly before rescue teams arrived.

“Like 4 of them guys. We don’t know them and they were crossing the river like up and down,” said Martinez. “You know, you can’t get in those waters right now.”

Witnesses said deputies approached them near the Delonegha Day Use Campsite asking if they saw a young person jump in the water.

“I’m a good swimmer to be honest, but I’m not about to get in those waters right now,” said Martinez.

This is the third person reported missing in the Kern River in as many days. At last report, the missing youth still hasn’t been recovered.

“You got kids. You got family, you know,” said Martinez. “You gotta be responsible.”

The search continues for a man who was swept away in the Kern River on Thursday, along with a woman. Her body was recovered hours later near Keysville Beach.

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