Search For Apparent Drowning Victim Ends At Lake Perris

LAKE PERRIS, CA — The search for a victim who apparently drowned at Lake Perris State Recreation Area has been called off, authorities confirmed.

"The Riverside Sheriff’s Office Dive Team spent approximately six days searching for the victim using scuba divers and side scanning sonar. The search was discontinued, and the victim still has not been recovered," according to a July 2 emailed statement from California State Parks.

The victim, described only as a 51-year-old man, reportedly jumped off a drifting vessel into open waters on the west end of the lake on June 15 and never resurfaced.

After receiving the 4:17 p.m. report about the possible drowning, state park peace officers and lifeguards went to the man's last known location. Allied agencies, including the Riverside County sheriff's dive team and its aviation unit, responded shortly after to assist with search efforts, according to Jorge Moreno, southern communications manager for California State Parks.

"A thorough search was conducted during daylight hours; however, the victim has not been located at this time," according to a June 17 statement from Moreno.

The victim was not wearing a lifejacket, according to authorities.