June 28, 2023 - Lassen County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on June 21, 2023, at about 12:30 p.m. (1230 hours), the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) received information that a man possibly went overboard from his boat, while fishing at Round Valley Reservoir. Round Valley Reservoir is a privately-owned reservoir, located approximately 18 miles north of Susanville.

Numerous personnel from the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office and Lassen County Sheriff Search and Rescue (LCSSAR) immediately responded to the Reservoir. Cal-Fire conducted an overflight via helicopter in an attempt to locate the missing fisherman.

LCSO deployed two teams in rescue boats to begin a search of the area. Deputies were able to utilize the GPS history from the “Fishing Graph” from the missing fisherman’s boat to narrow the search area. A dive team was deployed to the area, consisting of divers from the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office and Susanville Police Department. Divers quickly realized that they would have limited capabilities due to under-water visibility being less than two feet. The teams continued their search efforts until nightfall to no avail.

On 6/22/23, Cal-Fire conducted an overflight of the reservoir in attempt to locate the missing fisherman. LCSO was assisted in the search efforts by the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office and the Plumas County Search and Rescue team. Two rescue boats were deployed as well as a sonar unit. The two dive teams also continued their underwater search. The search continued until late in the afternoon when a lightning and thunder cell moved through the area, causing unsafe conditions for the search teams.

On 6/23/23, Cal-Fire conducted an overflight of the reservoir in attempt to locate the missing fisherman. Two rescue boats were deployed. LCSO and LCSSAR continued their search efforts throughout the day until afternoon weather conditions that caused high wind, rain, and lightning halted the search efforts.

On 6/24/23, Cal-Fire conducted an overflight of the reservoir in attempt to locate the missing fisherman. LCSO personnel were joined by personnel from the Butte County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO). BCSO deployed a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) from LCSO’s rescue boat. BCSO’s ROV is an underwater unit equipped with a sonar and video system. The search continued until a thunder cell moved into the area, causing high winds and lightning during the early evening hours.

On 6/25/23, Cal-Fire conducted an overflight of the area in an attempt to locate the missing fisherman. Teams from LCSO, LCSSAR, and BCSO continued their underwater search utilizing the ROV. The search continued into the early evening hours until the wind made conditions too dangerous to continue.

On 6/26/23, LCSO, LCSSAR, BCSO, as well as a human remains detection canine from California Office of Emergency Services deployed to the reservoir. While enroute to the reservoir, a call came to the Lassen County Emergency Dispatch Center. The caller stated that the body of the missing fisherman had surfaced on the south-east end of the reservoir.

Upon arrival at the reservoir, a recovery team was deployed to the south-east end of the reservoir. The recovery team located the body of the missing fisherman.

The deceased was identified as Ross Alan Kline, 62, of Reno, NV. The case has been referred to the Washoe County Medical Examiner’s Office for official cause of death.

The Lassen County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the following agencies for their assistance in this case: Plumas County Sheriff’s Office, Plumas County Search and Rescue, Lassen County Sheriff Search and Rescue, Butte County Sheriff’s Office, Susanville Police Department, Cal-Fire, and the State of California Office of Emergency Services.

The Lassen County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend our sincerest condolences to the family of Mr. Kline, and all who knew and loved him. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Captain Mike Carney

Source: Lassen County Sheriff’s Office