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Accident

2 men drown after kayak capsizes at Lake Pleasant

Two men drowned this weekend at Lake Pleasant when their inflatable kayak capsized about 600 feet from shore, authorities said.

Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Peoria firefighters responded to a call at about 7:45 p.m. Sunday, March 5, after witnesses reported hearing the men in the water near the Roadrunner Campsite.

“Witnesses could not see the distressed swimmers but heard yelling and calls for help coming from the water,” MCSO officials said in a release.

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Accident

2 men drown after kayak capsizes at Lake Pleasant

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Two men drowned this weekend at Lake Pleasant when their inflatable kayak capsized about 600 feet from shore, authorities said.

Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Peoria firefighters responded to a call at about 7:45 p.m. Sunday, March 5, after witnesses reported hearing the men in the water near the Roadrunner Campsite.

“Witnesses could not see the distressed swimmers but heard yelling and calls for help coming from the water,” MCSO officials said in a release.

The kayak was found by authorities, and a search for the men began using air, water and land resources. The search was suspended until Monday morning when more witnesses were interviewed, and authorities narrowed their search, officials said.

The body of one of the missing kayakers was found Monday night 55 feet under water near Roadrunner Island. He was identified as Christopher Govoni, 28.

A short time later, the body of the second kayaker was located 100 feet away from him, also 55 feet under water. He was identified as Rogelio Ortiz, 24.

Neither kayaker was wearing a life vest, and no life vests were found near the search areas, according to MCSO.

Detectives inspected the 10-foot inflatable kayak and found no damage. Their investigation continues.

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