July 26, 2023 - Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office officials report that on Sunday, July 23, 2023, deputies with the Special Vehicle Operations Unit responded to the report of a drowning at Modesto Reservoir at 4:31 p.m. Family members of Eudoro Garcia stated he was swimming by himself when they saw him go underwater and not return to the surface. When deputies arrived, they were informed the 64-year-old man was last seen 40 yards from shore and 40 minutes before help was called for. The initial first responders could not locate him and requested the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team's assistance. After searching for 30 minutes, Garcia was found and recovered but pronounced deceased.
This is the second drowning of the month in Stanislaus County reservoirs. On Sunday, July 9th, 53-year- old Carlos Lopez was visiting Woodward Reservoir with friends and family when he told them he was going out for a swim. When he was about 50 yards from shore, witnesses said he began to struggle to swim and go underwater, not returning to the surface. Deputies, fire personnel, and a helicopter immediately responded to look for Lopez, but he did not resurface. More than three hours later, the Dive Team recovered his body.
In both drownings, the swimmers were not wearing life jackets. We want to remind everyone that life jackets are available at each reservoir. They are free to use and come in sizes for children and adults. If you see someone begin to struggle swimming or go under the water without resurfacing, immediately 911.
Source: Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office
