News

Stanley Capoeman, 64, drowned in the Trinity River yesterday at around 3:45 p.m. According to the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office, Capoeman was visiting family in Hoopa from Taholah, Washington. His family members reported that he suddenly called out for help and was then swept downstream. A search concluded at 5 p.m., when Capoeman was found several hundred yards downriver.

The sheriff's office reminds the public that "the Trinity River is known for having very cold and swift waters, with unpredictable and dangerous currents; and to please use caution when swimming and wading in the Trinity River waterways."

From the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office:

On Monday August 14th, 2017 at approximately 3:45pm Humboldt County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a report of a swimmer in distress in the Trinity River. It was reported by family members that 64 year old Stanley Capoeman was swimming near the Red Rock/ Hostler Field area, when he suddenly yelled for help and was swept downstream.

A search of the area was conducted, and with the assistance of a US Coast Guard helicopter, Capoeman was located several hundred yards downstream at approximately 5:00pm. Tragically, when rescuers arrived at Capoeman’s location they found him to be deceased from apparent accidental drowning. The Humboldt County Coroner’s Office responded and took over the investigation.

Stanley Capoeman was from Taholah Washington, and was visiting family in Hoopa where he had once lived.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind everyone that the Trinity River is known for having very cold and swift waters, with unpredictable and dangerous currents; and to please use caution when swimming and wading in the Trinity River waterways.