May 4, 2006

Update on search for drowning victim
Bernice – The effort to recover the body of a 20-year-old Grove resident continued on Thursday, just off the shore of Bernice State Park, on Grand Lake.

As of 3:40 PM Thursday (5/4/06), the Grand River Dam Authority Lake Patrol and other agencies were continuing the search for Juan Sergio Gallardo Rodriguez, who disappeared in the water on Monday afternoon, around 4:30 PM. Rodriguez and a female, Graciela Lopez (Grove) were attempting to swim to shore after the personal watercraft they had been riding stalled. Lopez, who was wearing a life jacket, was able to make it to the bank. Rodriguez was not wearing a life jacket and did not resurface after going under.

Searchers began looking for Rodriguez Monday evening, and have searched from dawn until dark in the days since. According to GRDA Lake Patrol Chief Bruce Smith, the effort will continue until the body is recovered.