On May 15, 2023, at approximately 1715 hours I was called by SOCOM dispatch in reference to a possible drowning near Rattlesnake Island. I responded to the area by boat and made contact with the reporting party who had already beached the boat and moved from the area of the incident. The reporting party, Operator advised me that he, his wife, three children, and his friend were out on his boat. 

He stated they stopped near Horseshoe Island to do some maintenance on the boat. Operator stated that after they worked on the boat, he continued north towards their campsite which was just west of Rattlesnake Island on Ridge Rd. He stated that their innertube flew out of the boat and while the boat was still moving his friend the victim jumped into the water after the innertube. 

He stated that Victim made it to the innertube and grabbed on, so they continued towards their campsite while pulling Victim who was holding on to the innertube. 

Operator stated that he could tell that there was slack in the line and observed Victim off of the innertube. He stated he turned the boat around and then jumped in the water to attempt to help Victim who was calling to him. 

Operator stated that he made it to him and grabbed Victim from behind and started to try and pull him to the boat. He stated that Victim was too heavy, and he was starting to tire and having problems staying afloat. He stated that his wife came around with the boat and helped him along with other people that were nearby. He stated that he observed Victim go under and he never came back up. 

He was recovered from the water on May 21, 2023.  On May 24, 2023, the Office of the Medical Investigator notified officers that the official cause of death was determined to be drowning.  The manner of death was ruled an accident.

Elephant Butte Lake
Elephant Butte                