EXCLUSIVE: Family of father & son who drowned at Whitewater speak out
41-year-old David Martinez-Garcia and his 7-year-old son David Martinez passed away on Labor Day.
Authorities say Martinez was swept down the river by a strong current while playing near the water. Martinez-Garcia jumped to save his son, he was confirmed dead after being pulled out of the river. Martinez died after being transported to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs.
A family member told KESQ & CBS Local 2 that it was their first visit to Whitewater.
News Channel 3 & CBS Local 2’s Lauren Coronado spoke exclusively with Marcos Leon, the victim’s brother and step-son. He wants officials to increase signage and enforcement of the river so that tragedies like this don’t happen again.
“I know it’s my mom’s main goal to have that place, you know, pretty much shut down and have no other family have to go through this,” Leon said.
“They know those currents can go at least 25 miles per hour, and knowing they did not take the proper precautions to avoid all this, it’s very frustrating for our family.”
Leon’s mother and other little brother witnessed the tragic drowning.
“He (Leon’s 10-year-old brother) even described, right before the current took him (young victim), he tried to hold his hand, but the current was too powerful and he couldn’t grab on,” said Leon.
The river has signs that read “No Trespassing,” however, the family is asking for them to be more visible.
“They saw people already down there by the river, they thought it was ok since everyone goes there,” Cesar Leon, another brother, and step-son of the victims told KESQ & CBS Local 2 on Wednesday.
Earlier this week, we spoke with regular visitors of the river. Many said they always see people in the area as they drive by.
“Usually when we drive by there’s a lot of people out here with their lounge chairs just enjoying their time,” said Julissa Montenegro, a frequent visitor to Whitewater.
Leon’s family light s two candles each day in honor of their two loved ones who passed.
“Although they’re gone, they’ll never be forgotten and well keep lighting the candles,” Leon said.
The family will host a fundraiser this Sunday at 4595 N. Mayfield Avenue in San Bernardino. The fundraiser will start at 10 a.m. and last until food runs out.
A second fundraiser is also planned for Sunday from 11:00 a.m to 7:00 p.m at 593 San Jacinto St. San Bernardino, 92408. The family will be selling Beef, chicken, and pork tacos.
The family also created a GoFundMe page to help with funeral expenses, you can view that page by clicking here.
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