Victorville Man Dies After Attempting to Save His Dog From Aqueduct

Staff Writer

Wednesday, February 15th, 2017

HESPERIA – A 58-year-old Victorville man died after falling into the California Aqueduct in the City of Hesperia on Tuesday afternoon. Authorities said that the man was walking with his wife and three dogs along the aqueduct when one of the dogs fell into the water. The man, later identified as Lucas Hermenegildo reached for his dog in an attempt to save his life. As he reached for his dog, he lost footing and fell in.

Deputies and emergency medical personnel was dispatched to the scene in the area between the area of US Highway 395/Yucca Terrace Drive and Amargosa Road/I 15 Freeway at around 12:55 p.m. Mr. Hermenegildo was in the water for around 10-15 minutes before emergency personnel was able to pull him from the water. When pulled from the water he was unresponsive and CPR was initiated. He was transported to the hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

The victim’s dog was able to safely get out of the water and was uninjured. The Hesperia Sheriff’s Station wants to remind citizens that even though the water on the surface of the aqueduct appears calm and slow moving, there is an undertow that is very fast moving and can pull a person under. Always use caution when walking along the aqueduct and maintain distance from the edge.