UPDATE (2:48 p.m.) - San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's officials have identified the man who was found dead Monday at Lopez Lake as Sergio MendiolaGarcia, 25, of Santa Maria.
According to the sheriff's office, MendiolaGarcia was swimming in the lake Sunday afternoon when family members reported that he appeared to be in distress and went underwater. He was reportedly not wearing a life vest. Family members tried to find him but were unsuccessful.
Emergency crews responded and searched the lake until just after 8 p.m., when the search was suspended due to limited visibility. The search resumed on Monday morning and divers found MendiolaGarcia's body underwater shortly before noon.
Sheriff's officials say his next of kin has been notified.
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UPDATE (12:54 p.m.) - A body has been found in the search for a missing man at Lopez Lake. Officials are expected to release further details later this afternoon.
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UPDATE (10:38 a.m., Monday, March 23) - The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office confirms to KSBY News that the search is continuing at Lopez Lake on Monday for a man whose family lost sight of him on Sunday. KSBY is told boats are not currently being allowed in the water.
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UPDATE (8:47 p.m.) - Officials say they have not located the victim yet. The San Luis Obispo County Fire Department is transitioning the incident to the SLO County Sheriff's Office, who will continue operations.
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(7:43 p.m., Sunday, March 22) - Emergency crews are actively searching for a victim following a witnessed submersion at Lopez Lake on Sunday.
CAL FIRE and San Luis Obispo County Fire responded to the reported water rescue at around 4:20 p.m. A full water rescue response, including the USAR team, is gridding the area.
Multiple agencies are assisting with the ongoing search. Crews are using boats, jet skis, drones, paddleboards, and rescue swimmers.
Officials are asking the public to avoid the area to allow emergency personnel to operate safely.
