20-year-old Santa Maria man drowns at Lopez Lake
– A 20-year-old Santa Maria man died after a drowning incident Tuesday afternoon at Lopez Lake, according to a press release from the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff’s deputies responded to Lopez Lake at approximately 4:15 p.m. June 30 after receiving a report of a swimmer in distress.
Witnesses reported that Nathan Martinez, 20, of Santa Maria, had been swimming with friends when he appeared to be in distress and went underwater. A nearby boat was flagged down, and its occupants located Martinez and pulled him from the water.
People at the scene immediately began cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Martinez was transported to Arroyo Grande Community Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Authorities said next of kin have been notified.
The Sheriff’s Office extended its condolences to Martinez’s family and loved ones.
