Body of missing person found at Lopez Lake, victim identified as Santa Maria man

LOPEZ LAKE, Calif. (KEYT) - The body of the person who went missing late Sunday afternoon in the water at Lopez Lake was found early Monday afternoon.

Around noon, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office Underwater Search and Recovery (Dive Team) located the victim in the area where the Arroyo Grande Arm of the lake connects with the Wittenburg Arm.

The Sheriff's Office has identified as the victim as 25-year-old Sergio MendiolaGarcia of Santa Maria.

According to Sheriff's Office, MendiolaGarcia was swimming in the lake when he became distressed and appeared to be drowning before he went underwater. 

Family members tried to locate him in the water, but were unsuccessful and soon called 911.

The San Luis Obispo County Fire Department responded and was joined by other local emergency responders, who mobilized an extensive search of the water and land utilization boats, jet skis, drones, paddle boards and rescue swimmers. 

The search resumed earlier today and concluded just before noon when the body of MendiolaGarcia was found by underwater by the Sheriff's dive team. 

While the search was ongoing, San Luis Obispo County Parks, which operates the lake and entire recreational area, closed off the water to boating. 

All other activities at the lake, such as camping, onshore fishing and other day uses remained open. 

With the search now complete, the lake is once again open to all visitors for full use.