Man Rescued from LA River in Elysian Valley

Firefighters pulled the 56-year-old from the fast-moving, frigid waters overnight.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Los Angeles Fire Department rescued a 56-year-old man from the Los Angeles River in the Elysian Valley neighborhood early Wednesday morning. The man was spotted on an "island" in the river, which had a flow rate of 30 mph and a depth of 4 feet. Firefighters hoisted the man to safety and transported him to a local hospital for symptoms of hypothermia.

Why it matters

The Los Angeles River has long been a dangerous area, with periodic rescues of people who have fallen or been swept into the waterway. This incident highlights the risks of the river's fast-moving currents and cold temperatures, especially during the winter months when the water levels can rise unexpectedly.

The details

According to the LAFD, the rescue occurred shortly before 2 a.m. on Wednesday near the 2200 block of N. Duvall Street. Firefighters were able to hoist the man to safety and provide medical attention for symptoms of hypothermia before transporting him to a nearby hospital.

  • The rescue took place shortly before 2 a.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

The players

Los Angeles Fire Department

The city's fire and emergency medical services department, responsible for responding to incidents like this river rescue.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by the Los Angeles River, especially during periods of high water flow and cold temperatures. It underscores the importance of public safety measures and emergency response capabilities to protect those who may find themselves in peril along the waterway.