Man Dies by Drowning While Attending Reggae on the River Festival in Mendocino County

Robert Samuel James, 66, was found dead in the South Fork Eel River on August 2 while attending the Reggae on the River festival in Mendocino County. Authorities confirmed that he drowned, but the circumstances leading to his entry into the river are still unclear. James's body was located about a mile and a half upstream from the designated festival area by a snorkeler from CalTrout, a nonprofit focused on invasive fish removal. He was not wearing a festival wristband, but a friend confirmed he had traveled from Los Angeles and was linked to a vending booth at the event. The Mateel Community Center, which organizes the festival, offered condolences and stated they are cooperating with authorities.

The festival returned in 2024 after a five-year hiatus, with safety concerns now at the forefront following this incident. Drowning incidents have become a troubling trend in Northern California rivers during the summer season. Local officials are likely to review safety measures for future events to prevent similar tragedies.