Off-duty California deputy dies during Lake Tahoe rescue attempt

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, Calif. -- The Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office says Deputy Carlos Francies died while saving the lives of others.

The 30-year-old jumped into the lake to rescue friends who were knocked off paddleboards and kayaks when strong winds hit, according to the South Lake Tahoe Police Department. All of his companions made it to shore uninjured.

Francies worked in Martinez and lived in Sacramento. He is survived by his wife and three siblings. Two of Francies' siblings also work in law enforcement.

Francies coached youth football.

Contra Costa Sheriff David O. Livingston released a statement saying, "Today we lost a dedicated Deputy Sheriff and a member of our family. Deputy Carlos Francies died doing what he was sworn to do: putting himself in harm's way to protect the lives of others. He is a hero and an example of exactly what is right in law enforcement today. We mourn with his family, friends and colleagues."

The investigation will be headed by local law enforcement.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.