Beach towel triggers 40-person brawl at California water park, police say

The Raging Waters park in Sacramento was shut down after the fight, which began at 3:30 p.m. at the Lazy River picnic area. The fight was triggered by two women arguing over ownership of the beach towel, Cal Expo Police Department Chief Everest Robillard, told KCRA.

Christopher Neves, 35, of Modesto, tried to break up the fight but was attacked by three people, Robillard told the television station.

Paramedics who responded found Neves without a heartbeat and administered CPR before transporting him to an area hospital in critical condition, KOVR reported. Neves' mother was also taken to a hospital after suffering an asthma attack, the television station reported.

“There were two large families… about 15 people on each side engaged in mutual combat,” Robillard told reporters. “One person was down on the ground semi-unconscious.”

There were more police officers than usual at the park Sunday because a cannabis festival was happening nearby at the same time, Robillard told KCRA.

Robillard said Monday no arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing, the Sacramento Bee reported.

Rick Iafrate, general manager of Raging Waters, said he closed the park early because of the brawl.

"The safety of all Raging Waters Sacramento guests is our top priority," Iafrate said in a statement to KCRA.

Neves remains in intensive care, Robillard told the television station.