Lancaster man drowns at Donner Lake over Memorial Day weekend
A 36-year-old Lancaster CA man died after drowning in Donner Lake near Truckee on Sunday afternoon, according to Truckee police.
Authorities identified the victim as Juan Carlos Garcia-Gutierrez. Investigators said Garcia-Gutierrez had been on a pontoon boat when he jumped into the water to swim without wearing a life jacket. Strong winds reportedly caused the boat to drift away, leaving him struggling in the lake before he disappeared beneath the surface.
Emergency crews from multiple agencies responded around 4:30 p.m. and searched for several hours. Due to darkness and rough conditions, officials considered suspending the operation before winds calmed later in the evening.
Around 9:30 p.m., search crews using an underwater remotely operated vehicle located Garcia-Gutierrez nearly 100 feet underwater. His body was later recovered and turned over to the Nevada County Coroner’s Office.
Truckee police extended condolences to the victim’s family and friends following the tragic incident