May 5, 2026 – San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office officials issued a press release on the identity of a drowning victim.

The Coroner's Unit of the Sheriff's Office has identified the kayaker who drowned on May 2, 2026, in Montana de Oro State Park.

He has been identified as 78-year-old Ralph Sutter of Arroyo Grande.

Related: San Luis Obispo County Sheriff Reports Drowning of a Kayaker at Montana de Oro State Park

On May 2, 2026, Sheriff's Deputies responded to Montana de Oro regarding an adult male kayaker in distress. Witness reported that the kayaker was flipped over by waves. As a result, it appears the life vest he was wearing somehow slipped off his body.

Sutter was located and CPR was performed but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Next of kin have been notified.

Our thoughts are with Mr. Sutter's family and loved ones during this difficult time.

Source: San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office