GoFundMe created for Latino grandfather who fell into the Kings River. He went missing for five days.
A GoFundMe account has been created for the family of Roberto Hernández who went missing for almost a week before his body was found by his family in Kings County.
Hernández was clearing debris out from various weirs on the Kings River in the Riverdale area with a co-worker on March 6 when he went missing. Hernández was going back to their work truck to retrieve a rake and never returned.
After three days of extensive searching, the search for a missing person became a recovery effort by the Kings County Sheriff’s Office.
Hernández’ body was located March 10 approximately 400 yards west of the Crescent Weir where he went missing.
“His family depended heavily on him not only as grandpa and dad but financially as well,’ said Javier Gonzales, who is organizing the GoFundMe fundraiser.
Gonzales, who is the coach of one of Hernández’ grandchildren, said Hernández would come and watch his grandson play soccer.
The recovery of the body was possible after Pine Flat Dam reduced overnight water flow into the Kings River due to the major rainstorm and increased water flow from uncontrolled streams. With the lower water levels, deputies located the rake that Hernández had gone to retrieve near the weir and began an intensive search in the area, according to the sheriff’s office.
The KCSO Water Rescue Unit was able to safely deploy divers near the weir to search for the 67-year-old grandfather. According to the sheriff’s office, Hernández’ family assisted with the search and began checking downstream from the weir. The family located his body a short time later.
“We ask that you help with whatever you can so the family can cover his funeral expenses. Any help will be much appreciated. Thank you all in advance,” Gonzales said.
