April 22, 2024 - Oakdale, CA - Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office officials report the Sheriff’s Office is currently conducting a death investigation after a man drowned at Woodward Reservoir on Sunday afternoon.  

On April 21, 2024, at 1:51 p.m., deputies were dispatched to Mountain View Point on report of a swimmer in distress.  

The Special Vehicle Operations Unit, as well as paramedics, air support, fire department personnel, and the Sheriff’s Office Dive Team, responded to assist with the search.  

The swimmer, who was later identified as 24-year-old San Francisco resident Oscar Rafael Coello-Flores, was trying to swim from the shore of Mountain View Point to “Area-A”.  He appeared to grow fatigued and became overcome by the elements as he struggled to keep above the water’s surface.

Emergency first responders were unable to locate the swimmer in time, and he unfortunately drowned approximately 45-feet away from the shore of Mountain View Point.  

Investigators with the Coroner’s Office responded and took over the death investigation.  A more comprehensive forensic autopsy will be completed in the coming days.  

The Sheriff’s Office death investigation is active and ongoing.  More will be learned about cause and manner of death at the conclusion of the autopsy & toxicology laboratory tests.  

We would like to remind members of the community of a few basic water safety tips as we approach the warmer summer months.  They are as follows: 1) be sure to moderate your alcohol intake when swimming or boating, 2) be mindful of your own swimming limitations, 3) swim with a partner, and 4) always wear a life vest.  
Source: Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office