A somber incident unfolded at Sand Cove Park in Sacramento, where a 15-year-old lost his life while rescuing his younger brother.
The incident occurred on Sunday, June 4 and the courageous act of California teen Amari Quarles has left the community mourning his untimely death.
According to reports, Amari bravely entered the waters of the Sacramento River to assist his 13-year-old brother, Elijah, who was struggling after stepping into the water to retrieve a football. Their mother, Yolanda Sashe, also jumped in to aid them but was soon overwhelmed by the powerful current.
Yolanda recalled the swift deterioration of the situation, stating, “It quickly became very difficult. The current was forceful, pushing you back and forth. Resisting it was futile; it would pull you down.”
After several hours of search efforts by rescue crews, Amari’s lifeless body was discovered, as reported by The Sacramento Bee. The family had recently moved to California to be closer to relatives, and Amari, a high-achieving student at Natomas High School, was highly respected within his academic community.
Captain Justin Sylvia from the Sacramento Fire Department emphasized the treacherous conditions encountered during the rescue operation. The cold, fast-running river proved challenging even for the experienced squad.
Amidst the sorrow, James Sashe, Amari’s father, expressed his pride in his son’s selfless act, stating on the family’s GoFundMe page, “My son died a hero. I am deeply proud of his actions.” He also issued a solemn warning, affirming, “That river poses risks to everyone.”