The body of a 5-year-old boy who drowned Monday morning during a family outing at Shasta Lake in Northern California has been recovered, officials said.
Authorities said the boy went underwater before his parents could pull him out and put his personal flotation device on. The child was subsequently reported missing, and deputies were dispatched to the scene just before 11:30 a.m.
Multiple agencies joined search efforts, including CAL FIRE, the U.S. Forest Service, California Highway Patrol Air Operations, and local medical personnel.
“Unfortunately, at approximately 12:33 p.m., the juvenile was located and recovered with the assistance of the Shasta County Dive Team,” the sheriff’s office said.
The child’s body was released to the Shasta County Coroner’s Office for an autopsy, but authorities said no foul play is suspected.
“The Shasta County Sheriff’s Office, on behalf of all public safety agencies involved in this incident, offers sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the juvenile and to all those affected,” the department said. “This incident serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly a routine outing can become tragic.”
In the wake of the recent drowning, authorities urged locals and the general public to take all necessary precautions while out on the lake and other bodies of water.
“The Shasta County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the public that, although we have seen warmer temperatures this spring, water temperatures will remain extremely cold for the foreseeable future,” the department said. “Additionally, the public is encouraged to check the condition of all boating equipment, including safety gear, to ensure it is in proper working condition.”
