Authorities release identity of man who drowned at Lake Lopez Sunday
Update posted March 24:
– Authorities identified the man who drowned at Lopez Lake on Sunday afternoon as Sergio MendiolaGarcia, 25, of Santa Maria.
At approximately 4:20 p.m. on March 22, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Dispatch received a 9-1-1 call reporting a man in distress in the water. Deputies responded to assist Cal Fire and other emergency responders, beginning a coordinated search of the area. The sheriff’s office later took over the investigation.
Witnesses said the man had been swimming when he became distressed and appeared to be drowning before going underwater. He was not wearing a life preserver, and family members attempted to locate him but were unsuccessful.
The search was suspended shortly after 8 p.m. on March 22 due to limited visibility. It resumed the following morning, March 23, with the Sheriff’s Office Underwater Search and Recovery Dive Team and the Unmanned Aerial Systems Team.
At approximately 11:52 a.m. on March 23, divers located MendiolaGarcia underwater. Authorities have notified his next of kin.
Original article posted March 23
Multiple agencies search Lopez Lake after person goes under
– Cal Fire/San Luis Obispo County Fire responded to a reported submersion at Lopez Lake in the Cottonwood area at approximately 4:20 p.m. Sunday.
A full response, including an urban search and rescue team, gridded the area in search of the victim. Crews worked alongside San Luis Ambulance, Calstar, Pismo Lifeguards, San Luis Obispo County Parks, and the Sheriff’s Dive Team, utilizing boats, jet skis, drones, paddle boards, and rescue swimmers.
The public was asked to avoid the area and allow emergency personnel to operate safely.
No further information is available at this time.
Water Rescue – Lopez Lake (Cottonwood Area)
At approximately 4:20 PM, CAL FIRE / San Luis Obispo County Fire responded to a reported water rescue at Lopez Lake after a witnessed submersion.
A full water rescue response, including the USAR team, is actively gridding the area in… pic.twitter.com/tNhc1j7Kg3
— San Luis Obispo County Fire Department (@CALFIRE_SLO) March 23, 2026
