Man dies after drowning in Merced River, officials say

MERCED, Calif. (KFSN) -- A man has died after authorities say he drowned in the Merced River.

The Merced County Sheriff's Office was called out before 7 pm Thursday to the Cressey Bridge area on the river.

Witnesses told deputies that the man was struggling in the water and lost sight of him after being swept away by a current.

Dive equipment, a helicopter and drones were used in efforts to find the man.

Just before 11 pm Thursday, a diver found the man's body. He was declared dead at the scene.

Authorities are not releasing his identity at this time.