Update: July 2nd at 1:00PM

The body recovered from the San Joaquin River in Firebaugh has been identified as Nixon Quinonez Guerra, a 15-year-old from San Jose, reports the Fresno Sheriff’s office.

Original Story

The Fresno County Sheriff’s Dive Unit recovered the body of a young man from the bottom of the San Joaquin River in Firebaugh at 2 p.m. on Monday, according to the sheriff’s Instagram account.

Authorities have yet to confirm his identity, but the apparent drowning victim matches the description of a person previously reported missing.

The search began after a report of a possible drowning near 11th and Q Streets in Firebaugh was made about 4:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Members of the Firebaugh Police, Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, Madera County Sheriff’s Office, EMS, and Cal Fire responded and began searching the river.

Related Story: One Man Drowns in San Joaquin River, Another Is Hospitalized

Entered the River to Retrieve a Ball

Information gathered at the scene revealed that the missing individual was a 15-year-old boy from San Jose who was visiting family in Firebaugh. He had entered the river to retrieve a ball but never resurfaced.

He did not know how to swim and was not wearing a life jacket, authorities said.

First responders suspended their search Sunday night due to darkness but resumed the effort Monday morning.

Eight Fresno County Drownings in 2024

This incident marks the eighth drowning in Fresno County in 2024, with three occurring in the San Joaquin River, one in Shaver Lake, one in Millerton Lake, two in ponds, and one in a canal, the sheriff’s office said.

Related Story: Shaver Lake Drowning Victim Identified by Sheriff’s Office

Officials urge the public to adhere to safety measures when in and around water to prevent further tragedies.

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