Sonoma man drowns in Mokelumne River in San Joaquin County

A Sonoma man drowned last week after wading into the Mokelumne River in San Joaquin County, according local fire authorities.

Witnesses at a day-use area below Camanche Dam saw Aurelio Calderon, 42, sink beneath the surface in 4 to 6 feet of water around 2:15 p.m. Sept. 17, said Clements Fire District Chief Dave Ingrum, whose department responded to the call.

Calderon, who appeared unable to swim, was pulled out of the water by bystanders, Ingrum said. Firefighters responded shortly after and began performing CPR until an ambulance arrived, Ingram said.

Calderon was taken to Lodi Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

You can reach Staff Writer Nick Rahaim at 707-521-5203 or nick.rahaim@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @nrahaim.