Kayaker Helps Save Livermore Family After SUV Crashes Into American River

Updated 3:07 p.m.: A Livermore man who was rescued, along with his wife and three children, from a car crash in the American River, is expected to survive his injuries, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The family was traveling in the Sierra Thursday when their SUV crashed into the American River. They were rescued with help from a kayaker, according to news reports.

The crash was reported at 2:55 p.m. off of U.S. Highway 50 near Kyburz, a town approximately 75 miles east of Sacramento, CHP Sgt. Mike Poore said.

The father, 50-year-old Christian Lemler, suffered moderate to major injuries, but the injuries are not considered life-threatening, Poore said. Lemler was taken to Marshall Hospital in Placerville.

The SUV hit a concrete mile marker, a large tree, a boulder and landed in the middle of the South Fork of the American River.

A kayaker nearby, Mark Divittorio, came to the family's rescue. He found three children — 13-year-old twins and a 4-year-old girl — on top of the vehicle and helped them to shore.

Then he returned to help the driver keep his head above water as firefighters quickly responded.

Firefighters helped the husband and wife exit the vehicle, and all five family members were taken to an area hospital.

The collision remains under investigation but Poore said it had been raining at the time and the roadway was slick.

You can watch a video report of the incident by clickling this link.

Bay City News contributed to this report.