Trinity River claims two lives

SHEPHERD – The Trinity River has claimed two lives in one week in separate incidents. A Shepherd man drowned while swimming Friday, June 8, about 6 p.m. Jonathan Singletary, 23, was playing in the water with another male and a female when he was pulled under by the strong current, according to the San Jacinto County Sheriff’s Department. “Singletary’s friend attempted to save him, but was also overtaken by the current and had to be pulled out by another male who heard the screaming and ran over to assist,” San Jacinto County Sheriff James Walters said. The sheriff’s department along with numerous other county agencies responded to the call. Units responded to the same area on FM 1127 that has taken other lives in the past, including Sgt. Boe Gallaway of the San Jacinto County Pct. 2 Constable’s Department in September of 2005. On Sunday, June 10, a Willis man drowned in the Trinity River at the Hwy. 105 bridge in Moss Hill, Liberty County. According to authorities, Jacinto Ortiz was pulled from the river around 5 p.m. His family said he was attempting to swim across the river when he became distressed and called for help. A 15-year-old relative tried to render aid, but was unable to reach Ortiz. “Everyone is urged to use extreme caution when entering the Trinity River area to swim. The water may look calm, but the currents are very strong and can take you under quickly,” Walters said.