The Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Deputies have switched their rescue efforts in this unfortunate event into a recovery effort for the drowning victim. The victim in this tragedy has been identified as 20 year old, Bobby Allan Root, who is from Vicksburg, Michigan. Root came to Humboldt County recently for spring break to visit friends, who live in Humboldt County.
Deputies will continue patrolling the coast line on ATV’s in an attempt to locate Root’s body. The victim’s dog was able to make it out of the water safely and is being cared for by Root’s friends.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
On 03/24/2015 at approximately 5:38 PM, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (H.C.S.O.) was contacted by the United States Coast Guard (U.S.C.G.) requesting assistance with a search and rescue for a male subject that had entered the ocean at the mouth of Redwood Creek located at the end of Hufford RD in Orick. The male subject, age 20, was from out of the area traveling with friends. The subject entered the water at the mouth of Redwood Creek in an attempt to rescue a dog that was being pulled out into the ocean. Witnesses on scene soon lost sight of the male subject after he entered the water.
A search of the waters was conducted by U.S.C.G. helicopter and by U.S.C.G. marine vessel. Members of the H.C.S.O., California State Parks, CAL-Fire, and Orick Volunteer Fire searched the surrounding shoreline. The male subject is listed as missing at this time. The U.S.C.G. vessel will continue to search throughout the night. Members of H.C.S.O. Search and Rescue will continue the search at first light along with U.S.C.G. Helicopter.
Anyone with information for the Sheriff’s Office regarding this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office at (707)-445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at (707)268-2539.
Mike Downey
Sheriff