Drowning Victim Not Yet Found at Lake Del Valle

By Autumn Johnson

A man who jumped out of his kayak and into Lake Del Valle on Sunday afternoon without his life preserver on has not yet been found, despite the efforts of divers and rescuers, according to an East Bay Regional Parks spokesperson.

Emily Hopkins, of the East Bay Regional Parks says the search is a recovery operation.

"The Alameda County Dive Team ended their second day of operations at about 10 p.m. last night," Hopkins said. "Over two days the dive teams have covered an area the size of a football field without location the victim."

Hopkins says that although the recovery efforts are being suspended until more effective equipment becomes available to use in the operation, lifeguards will continue to sweep water and shoreline for the victim.

Michael Perez, 30, of Mountain House, never resurfaced after jumping into the lake without his life preserver, according to  the East Bay Regional Parks Police.

Police say Perez had been in the kayak with his sister when he jumped into the water that was about 17-20 feet deep intending to swim to the shoreline. According to police, Perez tried unsuccessfully to get his life preserver on before going under the water without resurfacing.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the East Bay Regional Parks Police at (510) 881-1833.