Community Corner
Riverside Man ID'd as Drowning Victim in Sea Doo Accident on Big Bear Lake
San Bernardino County Sheriff's Dive Team personnel were called out and they searched until dark Friday, according to the coroner. The search resumed the next morning and the victim's body was recovered using sonar equipment at 11:48 a.m. Saturday.
A Riverside man was identified as a drowning victim in a Sea Doo accident Friday near Eagle Point on Big Bear Lake, according to the coroner and sheriff's investigators.
About 5 p.m. July 20, Cesar Espana, 44, was a passenger riding on a Sea Doo personal watercraft on Big Bear Lake, the coroner reported.
"He and the driver fell as the Sea Doo turned," a coroner's statement said. "Espana, who was not wearing a life jacket, went under the water."
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The driver of the Sea Doo was identified as Cesar's brother, Mario Espana, 36, of Lynwood, deputies said. He was rescued and suffered no injuries.
San Bernardino County Sheriff's Dive Team personnel were called out and they searched until dark Friday, according to the coroner. The search resumed the next morning and Cesar Espana's body was recovered using sonar equipment at 11:48 a.m. Saturday.
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Investigators believe the victim drowned and foul play is not suspected, sheriff's officials said. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.
Big Bear Lake is a man-made reservoir in the San Bernardino Mountains, about two hours drive-time east of downtown Los Angeles.
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