May 3, 2026 – San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office officials issued a press release regarding a drowning at Montana de Oro State Park.

On May 2, 2026, Sheriff's Deputies responded to Montana de Oro regarding an adult male kayaker in distress. A multi-agency response including the Sheriff's Office, CA State Parks, U.S Coast Guard and Cal Fire responded to the call.

It was reported from witnesses at the scene that the kayaker was flipped over by waves. As a result, it appears the life vest he was wearing somehow slipped off his body.

The kayaker was located and CPR was performed but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The ID of the victim is pending notification of next of kin.

No further information is available at this time.

Source: San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office