LAHAD DATU: A 33-year-old man drowned while trying to save his younger brother and cousin who were carried away by strong currents at Sungai Dewata, here, Tuesday.
District Police Chief ACP Dzulbaharin Ismail said the victim was having a picnic with his family when he saw the two struggling and shouting for help amid strong currents about 11am.
Without hesitation, the victim and two in-laws jumped into the water to rescue the duo.
“However, when the duo were rescued, the victim had yet to appear. His mother immediately told her two sons-in-law to look for him.
“The victim was found and brought to the riverbank pale and unconscious. He was taken to the hospital for treatment but pronounced dead by a medical officer at 12.49pm,” he said.
“The distance from the scene to Lahad Datu was about 32km and took about 40 minutes by car.”
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According to Dzulbaharin, police found no criminal elements and have classified the case as sudden death.
The body was sent to the Forensic Department and an autopsy found the cause of death was due to drowning.
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Dzulbaharin advised the public to temporarily stop recreational activities or picnics in rivers during the raining season and current uncertain weather.