May 18, 2026 – Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office officials report that they assisted in the recovery of a body following a drowning incident Sunday afternoon at Cottonwood Lake at Hellyer County Park in San Jose.

At about 1:40 p.m., Santa Clara County Parks rangers were alerted to a person in distress in the water. It remains unclear why the individual entered the lake.

Sheriff’s deputies responded alongside the San Jose Fire Department. The Sheriff’s Office Dive Team and Underwater Search Unit were called in and conducted a coordinated search of the lake.

During the operation, a body was found and the individual was pronounced dead at 4:11 p.m.

The person’s identity has not yet been confirmed. The Office of the Medical Examiner-Coroner will conduct an autopsy.

The Sheriff’s Office extends its condolences to the individual’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.

Source & photos: Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office