Sister remembers brother who died saving her service dog
By Denzen Cortez
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EL DORADO COUNTY, California (KCRA) — A Sacramento woman is mourning the loss of her brother, who died while trying to save her service dog during a trip to Rock Creek Bridge.
Kia Hapoy-Clipper said the outing was meant to be a simple day trip with her brother, Robert Solomon III, and family. Hapoy-Clipper said her brother had recently visited the area and suggested they go.
“It wasn’t in my mind to go in there to have fun or go swimming,” she said.
However, things would take a turn. Hapoy-Clipper’s 5-year-old service dog, Sammy, slipped into the water.
“When my dog slipped, my brother automatically jumped in,” she said.
Authorities say the swimming area beneath Rock Creek Bridge contains a powerful hydraulic current, often described as a “washing machine” effect, that can trap swimmers and make escape difficult.
Hapoy-Clipper said both her brother and dog were swept away. She jumped in, trying to reach him.
“I kept pulling him, and I kept getting pushed back by the current,” she said.
She eventually brought him to shore and attempted CPR. Despite her efforts, Robert did not survive. Sammy remains missing.
Through her grief, Hapoy-Clipper wants people to understand her brother’s actions, saying, “His intentions were pure.”
“He wasn’t being reckless,” she said. “He jumped in there to save my dog.”
A GoFundMe has been created to support the family during this time.
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