June 2, 2026 – Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on May 30, 2026, at approximately 1:08 P.M., Deputies responded to the 900 block of Foothill Road in the Town of Copperopolis for a report of a drowning in Lake Tulloch involving an adult male. This area consists of residential properties that extend to the shoreline of Lake Tulloch, allowing for recreational water access. It was reported that the adult male was last seen struggling to stay above water near an offshore island while attempting to swim back to shore.
Upon arrival, Deputies, with the assistance of the victim’s friends, initiated an immediate search of the area where the victim was last seen. Additional public safety resources responded to assist, including the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office Marine Safety Division Dive Team, Copperopolis Fire Protection District, CAL FIRE, and American Legion Ambulance Service. Initial rescue efforts were unsuccessful, and the victim was not immediately located.
The victim was later identified as a 31-year-old male from Campbell, CA. The victim reportedly swam from the main shoreline to an island approximately 90 feet offshore. While attempting to swim back, he became fatigued, struggled in the water, and did not resurface. He was not wearing a personal flotation device.
At approximately 3:10 P.M., search operations continued with Deputies and the Marine Safety Division Dive Team conducting water operations. At approximately 4:00 PM, the victim was located and recovered by the Sheriff’s Office underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) at a depth of approximately 28 feet. Divers subsequently recovered him and transported him ashore, where he was released to the Calaveras County Coroner’s Office.
The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Copperopolis Fire Protection District, CAL FIRE, the Calaveras County Coroner’s Office, American Legion Ambulance Service, and the Sheriff’s Office Marine Safety Division for their coordinated efforts during the rescue and recovery operations associated with this incident. The Sheriff’s Office and its members extend their heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the victim during this difficult time.
Source: Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office