Man In Wheelchair Drowns After Falling In Emeryville Marina

EMERYVILLE (CBS / AP) -- Authorities say a 61-year-old Emeryville man in a wheelchair drowned after he fell into the waters of the Emeryville Marina.

Police say a witness saw the man, identified by officials as William Ferris, struggling with his wheelchair around 6 p.m. Tuesday before he disappeared in the water.

The witness jumped into the water to try to save Ferris. She was joined by an off-duty firefighter. Police say they were able to pull Ferris out of the water, but when paramedics arrived at the scene, they were unable to revive him.

Ferris died after being taken to a hospital. Police say the incident is being investigated as an accident.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)