‘Freak accident’ leads to desperate search for man lost in the Kern River

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- The Kern River is a familiar but dangerous place in Kern County. Known for the lives it has taken, the river is currently the site of a search and rescue effort after a man slipped and fell in over the weekend. A fishing trip for Corey Vargas and his family -- one done countless times before -- resulted in chaos. Early Saturday morning, the Vargas family, and their family dog Duke, were scoping an area to fish. In a split second, Duke fell into the river, and while trying to rescue him, Vargas slipped and fell into the water after him. Vargas' son also slipped in, but was able to be rescued. Corey and the dog, Duke, were lost. Vargas, born and raised in Bakersfield, and has gone on fishing trips since he was a kid. He grew up as a Boy Scout. According to his mother Barbara, Corey Vargas was always cautious while fishing, and was familiar with the recreational area. She describes what happened to her son as a horrific freak accident. Search and Rescue, a group of volunteers working alongside the Kern County Sheriff's Office, has sent more than 15 rescue boats out since Saturday, and on Monday used a helicopter for additional support. Barbara says her son was so beloved that nearly 50 close friends arrived to help search.KCSO had no update Monday on search efforts. Family asks, that for anyone looking to help, to donate to the Search and Rescue team, that operates purely off of donations that cover fuel, insurance and equipment needed by those who volunteer. To assist directly a GoFundMe is available online, in order to support Vargas's extended family as they stay near the Keysville river bank, awaiting any update.