Man drowns at Millerton Lake

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Raul Jimenez of Santa Ana drowned at Millerton Lake Sunday after he went into the water trying to save his granddaughter, authorities say.

Park rangers said Jimenez rushed into the lake when he saw his granddaughter in distress just before 3 p.m., but rescuers had to help him instead.

"One of our aunts saw that someone was asking for help," witness Ramon Ramos said.

They took action to try and save the man.

"The family was scared," he said. "They didn't know what to do."

Sebastian Lopez was first to step in and start CPR.

"Even though he was nervous he was just trying to help him," he said.

Jimenez, 45, was transported to a Saint Agnes Medical Center where he died. His granddaughter was fine.

Park ranger Steve Barber said first responders were on scene shortly after the call was made. "We had state park lifeguards on scene in about two minutes with CPR on the island."

The drowning is the first for the holiday weekend and many hope it will be the last.

"It's really sad that something like that can happen," visitor Allison Barnes said. "You think you're doing the right thing and you lose our life from it, so, it's really sad."