Rush Creek Drowning 

July 5, 2023 - Mono County Sheriff's Office officials report that on July 3rd, Mono County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue was called to assist in the recovery of a deceased swimmer located in Rush Creek downstream of Grant Lake. 

Multiple agencies were involved in the initial search for the missing swimmer including Lee Vining Fire Department, June Lake Fire Department, Mono County Paramedics, Mono County Sheriff’s Deputies, US Forest Service Fire personnel, California Highway Patrol, CalTrans, and LA Department of Water and Power personnel. Lee Vining Fire personnel located the swimmer pinned underwater by swift current against a log jam, a significant distance downstream from where the swimmer was last seen.

With the historic snowpack bringing record runoff to the Eastern Sierra, public safety is our number one priority. All waterways are running higher, stronger, and colder. This incident is a stark reminder for all visitors and locals recreating in Mono County to use extra caution around creeks and rivers.

Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.

Source & photos: Mono County Sheriff's Office