Bay Area Deputy Drowns at Lake Tahoe Trying to Save Swimmer

A Contra Costa County sheriff’s deputy has drowned at South Lake Tahoe while attempting to save someone else from drowning, the sheriff’s office said Thursday night. Deputy Sheriff Carlos Francies jumped into deep water at Lake Tahoe to try to save a person who was apparently drowning, but then succumbed himself, officials said.

“... We lost a dedicated deputy sheriff and member of our family,” Contra Costa Sheriff David Livingston said in a statement. “Deputy Carlos Francies died doing what he was sworn to do: putting himself in harms way to protect the lives of others. He is a hero and an example of exactly what is right in law enforcement today.”

The sheriff’s office is sending a team to Lake Tahoe to gather more information on the incident, which is being investigated by the South Lake Tahoe Police Department.

By Bay City News

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