Rescued kayaker succumbs to injuries in hospital

FRESNO COUNTY – A Visalian kayaker who was retrieved from an accident at Kings River has passed away. 

Fresno County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) officials have reported that Russel Mayfield, 65, passed away in the hospital on Saturday, April 19, 2025. Mayfield was rushed to the hospital on Friday after falling into the Kings River, but eventually succumbed to the harsh conditions he faced. 

At around 2 p.m. on Friday, sheriffs received an emergency call that a kayaker, Mayfield, had fallen into the Kings River near the bridge under Pine Flat Dam. 

He was wearing a life jacket, but it was not zipped up. Mayfield was caught in the fast-turning water at a weir, and was sucked underwater before eventually resurfacing. 

Witnesses saw what was happening and threw a rope out for Mayfield, who grabbed it but slipped away as he was being pulled in. 

Two sheriff’s sergeants who were doing dive training nearby eventually arrived at the scene after responding to the call. They pulled Mayfield to shore and began CPR. EMS arrived and took over, transporting him to the hospital. 

Mayfield was in the water for 15-20 minutes, with temperatures in the low 50s. 

As temperatures warm and people go out to the rivers, FCSO stresses the importance of proper life jacket safety.