An 18-year-old Cal State Fullerton student drowned in Lake Havasu while on vacation with his fraternity over the weekend, authorities said.
Simon Daniel, a Sigma Pi member, was on a short vacation at the lake when he and five others entered the river near Copper Canyon on Saturday afternoon, May 17.
Strong currents, swells, and crosswinds fueled by recent heavy rains in the Havasu Valley created hazardous conditions, leaving Daniel, his three fraternity brothers and two sorority sisters in a state of distress as several members “risked their lives” to save the six students, the university’s Sigma Pi Fraternity said in a statement.
Witnesses called 911 after a sudden wave swept Daniel away and separated him from the rest of the group. He disappeared beneath the water and did not resurface, officials said.
Divers from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Marine Enforcement and the Mohave County Sheriff’s Division of Boating Safety unit searched the area until dive operations were suspended for the day. The search continued Sunday, May 18, using sonar equipment and a remotely operated vehicle, which helped divers locate Daniel’s body shortly before 9 a.m.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department described his death as an accidental drowning.
It was unclear if drugs or alcohol played a role. Authorities said Daniel may have been drinking, but official results are pending autopsy results.
Daniel was the second university student found dead in the water this past weekend at one of San Bernardino County’s popular lake destinations.
The body of a 22-year-old UC Santa Barbara student who went missing from Big Bear Lake over the weekend was found in water near a marina on Monday, May 19.
The search for Tanner Prentiss, who went missing early Saturday, began after he did not return to his rental cabin following a night out.