Family releases video of hiker being swept away by American River

A California family released chilling footage of the last time 19-year-old Raymond Cabalfin Jr. was seen before being swept away by the American River currents last Thursday.

Cabalfin was hiking with three other friends on the Lake Clementine Trail in Auburn, California before he and a young woman decided to test the rushing waters of the 120-mile-long river for a dip.

See photos of the 120-mile-long river

In the 1-minute clip, the young woman hops into the water and makes it out quickly. But Cabalfin, who jumped even further into the river, is seen struggling against the current while trying to stay above water. At first, his friends seemed to think the 19-year-old had things under control -- and they almost instantly realized he did not.

Cabalfin calling for help while being taken downstream is the last known time he's been seen.

According to a post shared by the family on Facebook, his friends dialed 911 quickly after realizing the teen was unable to reach shore.

The family also wrote:

"The California State Parks Ranger's Dept. as well as Fire & Rescue responded immediately and within the hour they had a helicopter equipped with an FLIR thermal imaging system searching the area. They worked all evening with divers, kayakers, and other resources, but unfortunately, they were unable to locate him."

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Cabalfin's mother, Maria Cabalfin, told FOX40 that she couldn't stomach the video more than once but ended up releasing the video to the public to bring more attention to her son's disappearance.

"I just don't feel that he's gone," his mother said.

As searches for Cabalfin continue, his family has created a GoFundMe page to cover the costs incurred.