Dixon-Area Teens Killed By Electrified Bridge While Trying To Save Dog
DIXON (CBS SF/AP) -- Two Dixon-area teens were electrocuted when they attempted to save a dog that had fallen into an irrigation canal and came in contact with an electrified metal bridge, authorities revealed Tuesday.
"The only thing I can say is my son died being a good boy trying to rescue his friend in danger and he paid the ultimate price for it," Candy Carrillo said.
Her son, 17-year-old Jake Hoursmouszus and his friend 17-year-old Jacob Schneider jumped into the canal in an attempt to save a dog Monday.
According to the Solano County Sheriff's Office, two other teenagers were with them, a boy and girl. They were walking alongside a Solano Irrigation District canal off of Dixon Ave., west of Interstate 80, at approximately 12:20 p.m.
During their walk, Jake, Jacob and the dog began walking across a metal bridge that spanned approximately 25 feet. For unknown reasons, the dog jumped or fell from the bridge into the canal.
As the two teenage boys grabbed the dog, they reached up to the metal bridge in attempt to keep from being swept up in the current.
Deputies said witnesses told them that the two teenage boys appeared to have been electrocuted and unable to release their grip from the metal bridge.
The third boy recognized what was taking place and also jumped into the canal, ultimately knocking both teenagers off the bridge. He then pulled both teenagers and the dog out of the canal and onto the side of the levee, where the girl called 911.
Both victims were transported to Kaiser Permanente Vacaville Medical Center where they died. The sheriff's office said the dog survived.
I do think someone needs to address this so this doesn't happen to someone else's kid, especially if there was a downed power line and the city or county knew and didn't do anything about it," Carrillo said.
Pacific Gas and Electric arrived on scene and quickly deactivated power to the energized bridge, making the site safe for investigators. Whatever caused the bridge to be energized is still under investigation.
"It's just shock, and disbelief and then when you hear they were trying to do a kind-hearted thing and save a dog stuck in the canal...they're our kids, we know them and it hurts" Dixon Unified School District Superintendent Brian Dolan said.
The district offered grief counseling to students who are currently on spring break.
On the Dixon High School Facebook page, Dixon High Principal Stephanie Marquez wrote, "It is with a heavy heart that I write this post. Today, two of our students passed away after a tragic accident. While we are not at liberty to discuss details or specifics, we are absolutely here to support all of our students."
A vigil is scheduled to take place in Hall Memorial Park Tuesday evening.
