Searchers using remotely operated submersibles have located and retrieved the body of a Pleasant Hill man who drowned while swimming off a rental boat at Lake Del Valle in Livermore.
Coroners officials identified the swimmer as Joseph P. Freeman, 40, of Pleasant Hill. They await autopsy results before releasing an official cause of death, though Freeman’s body was found in an area of the lake that is approximately 150-feet deep.
Freeman’s body was located and removed from the water just before noon Monday, according to East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) officials. Searchers had been using submersible ROV’s and sonar in the area near where he was last seen.
The Pleasant Hill man was seen entering the water from a rental boat in Heron Bay shortly after 5 p.m. Sunday. He reportedly struggled briefly before slipping under water and out of sight.
Multiple agencies, supported by an EBRPD helicopter searched the lake waters into Sunday evening – calling off the effort due to darkness. Rescuers equipped with technology suitable for searching the deep waters near the lake’s dam resumed their effort on Monday and acquired a sonar signature that morning.
Condolences.
Frightening. Heart attack? Thoughts to his friends and family.
I was there yesterday fishing. There is a definite current at the lake at times which can make it difficult to swim. Horrible situation. Condolences to family.
There is a definite current out there. Barry is right. And it seems to vary at certain depths. Horrible accident and I hope his relatives are able to find comfort and peace.
Thank u everyone we are dealing with it slowly but for surely glad we have his body
May your God help you with your burden.