ANAHEIM : Hiker, 19, Presumed Drowned in River

A 19-year-old man hiking in a remote section of Featherly Regional Park was carried downstream while trying to cross the Santa Ana River on Sunday morning and is presumed to have drowned, authorities said.

Doan Huunhay Tran of Stanton and three companions were hiking in a wilderness area of the park about 11:30 a.m. when they attempted to cross about 25 feet of a seemingly shallow portion of the river, which flows below Prado Dam, said Battalion Chief Michael Rohde of the Orange County Fire Department.

“They thought it was safe to cross the water,” Rohde said. “The water may have been deceptive, where it gives a feeling of safety when in fact it is not safe. You are dealing with fast-moving water, downriver rapids and heavy debris, which can trap a swimmer underwater.”

Rohde said last winter’s heavy rains have left more water in the river than usual.

The search for Tran, which involved 27 firefighters, a special swift-water rescue team from the Orange County Fire Department and police helicopters, was abandoned after 4 1/2 hours.

Authorities said Tran reportedly did not know how to swim.

After Tran was swept away, his companions had to hike about 20 minutes from the river to the nearest park ranger station to report the incident.

“The point where the victim fell in is hiking-access only,” Rohde said. “It is impossible to get there with vehicles.”