Body of Drowning Victim Found Sunday

The Grand River Dam Authority reports that the body of a 20-year old Grove man who drowned in Grand Lake on Monday, May 1, was recovered Sunday morning at approximately 8:30 a.m.

GRDA Lake Patrol Chief Bruce Smith reported that searchers discovered the body of Juan Sergio Gallardo Rodriguez, in the water about 300 to 400 yards out from Bernice State Park.

The GRDA Lake Patrol, along with searches from several other agencies, including the Delaware County Sheriff’s office, emergency management personnel from Delaware and Ottawa County and the Bernice, Pryor, Monkey Island, Hickory Grove and Lakemont Shores fire departments, had been looking for Rodriguez since Monday afternoon.

According to Smith, Rodriguez and a female passenger, Graciela Lopez (also of Grove) were riding a personal watercraft about 300 to 400 yards off the bank when it overturned and they were unable to get it started. The pair then attempted to swim. Lopez, who was wearing a life jacket, was able to make it to the bank. Rodriguez was not wearing a life jacket and did not resurface after going under.

The body has been turned over to the Oklahoma State Medical Examiner.