CSUF Student Drowns During Lake Havasu Fraternity Trip

FULLERTON, CA — A Cal State Fullerton student died after a fraternity trip to Lake Havasu took a tragic turn this past weekend.

Simon Daniel, 18, of Pinole, went under the water and did not emerge Saturday near Copper Canyon, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.

The Sigma Pi Fraternity at CSUF released details about what led up to the incident in a post on Facebook.

"Simon entered the Lake Havasu River alongside three fraternity brothers and two visiting sorority members. Unbeknownst to them, recent heavy rains in the Havasu Valley region had significantly increased water flow, creating hazardous conditions including strong currents, crosswinds and swells," the fraternity said in the statement.

The statement went on the say that several fraternity members tried to rescue all six students, but Daniel was swept away by a wave.

His body was discovered in the water Sunday morning, authorities said.

Authorities are asking anyone with information regarding this incident to contact Corporal Brandon Abell of the Colorado River Station/Needles Police Department at 760-326-9200.

Callers wishing to remain anonymous may contact the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463), or may leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.