The Merced Sheriff’s Department Coroner released the names and ages of two men who drowned at the Merced Yosemite Lake on March 27th, 2022. 23-year-old William Lopez was transported to the hospital where he later died. 23-year-old Saul Perez-Santos was pronounced deceased at the Lake.

Deputies responded at around 2:15 pm, after receiving calls about a possible drowning.

Authorities said two adult Hispanic males were swimming out by the pier when one of them went underwater. The other man tried to save the man and started to struggle and also went underwater. When Deputies arrived, witnesses had one man pulled out of the water. He was transported to a local area hospital where he later died.

The Merced County Sheriff’s Water Rescue and Recovery Team were called to locate the second man. Divers were able to recover the man and he was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Authorities will like to remind everyone, as the weather becomes warmer to swim safely, know your limits, and be aware of the area you’re swimming in.