FATALITY: FISHERMAN PRESUMED DROWNED AT TEMPLE BAR
LAS VEGAS - This morning at approximately 3:15 AM, the Lake Mead National Recreation Area Interagency Communication Center received an emergency call reporting a person had gone missing while attempting to recover his fishing lure in the waters of Lake Mead at Temple Bar, within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. National Park Service Rangers began a search immediately after receiving the call. The victim, a 49-year-old male, had been fishing from shore in the Temple Bar Marina area when his fishing lure was snagged on some vegetation. After several attempts to release it from the shore he entered the water to free the gear. A short time later, witnesses reported hearing calls for help, splashing, then silence.
The initial search efforts identified the point last seen and were postponed until daylight. This morning with assistance from employees of the authorized concession at Temple Bar, rangers located and recovered a body in six feet of water near the shoreline.
The Mohave County Coroner's Office has identified the victim as Roderick Rayford of North Las Vegas, NV. He was not wearing a personal flotation device. Park Rangers are continuing to conduct an investigation to determine the cause of the presumed drowning.
The National Park Service advises wearing a U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device at all times while in the water regardless of the water depth.
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Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
