NEVADA COUNTY, Calif. May 25, 2025 – At approximately 8:33 pm on 5/24/2025 emergency crews from Nevada County Consolidated Fire District responded to reports of a female individual who had fallen into the South Yuba River near the Hwy 49 bridge.
Upon arrival, fire personnel conducted a rapid scene assessment and initiated a coordinated search and rescue operation, including bank-side observation, swift water rescue teams and aerial surveillance in coordination with the California Highway Patrol’s air division.
Despite extensive efforts, the individual was not located. Search operations continued for several hours before being suspended due to safety concerns and fading daylight. The Nevada County Sheriff’s Department and their Search and Rescue Team have since taken over the operation, and search efforts are actively ongoing.
“Our hearts are with the family and loved ones during this difficult time,” said Jason Robitaille, Chief of Nevada County Fire. “The South Yuba River is known for its cold, swift waters and slippery rocks, which can create hazardous conditions even for experienced swimmers.”
The incident remains under investigation, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Safety Reminder
The public is reminded to exercise extreme caution around rivers during spring and early summer, when snowmelt can make currents deceptively strong and dangerous. Always respect posted warnings and stay clear of the water’s edge when conditions are hazardous. For updates, please follow www.nccfire.com
Editor’s note: The river is running at approximately 1,800 cubic feet per second (cfs). For context, at that volume it takes less than 45 seconds to fill an Olympic-size swimming pool. Please stay safe!