A 17-year-old Franklin High School student in Stockton was identified as the teenager who drowned on Aug. 1 at Caswell Memorial State Park in the Stanislaus River.
Gabriel Lechuga Santiago, of Stockton, was identified Tuesday by the San Joaquin County Medical Examiner’s Office.
While rafting at the state park, located in Ripon, Santiago went under water and never resurfaced, the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office said in a social media post Sunday.
The drowning happened at about 4 p.m. on Aug. 1, according to the sheriff’s office, prompting search efforts immediately.
The Ripon Consolidated Fire District said in a social media post that it received a report of a swimmer in distress. However, the Manteca Fire Department responded due to Ripon fire units not being available because of a vegetation fire.
The search continued into nightfall and resumed in the morning on Aug. 2, until the sheriff’s office Boating Safety Unit located and recovered the boy.
“Our hearts are with the victim’s family, friends, and loved ones as they navigate this unimaginable loss. We extend our deepest condolences during this incredibly difficult time,” the sheriff’s office said in the social media post. “We appreciate the patience, understanding, and support shown by our community as our personnel worked tirelessly to bring answers to the victim’s family.”
Record reporter Victoria Franco covers public safety in Stockton and San Joaquin County. She can be reached at vfranco@gannett.com. Support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at https://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow.
This article originally appeared on The Record: Franklin High student identified as teen who drowned at Caswell state park
Reporting by Victoria Franco, The Stockton Record / The Record
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By Victoria Franco, The Stockton Record | USA TODAY Network
