Yuma, Arizona. – On Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at approximately 8:12 AM, Brian Vasquez was found deceased in the area of Cocopah Bend RV Park.
A kayaker in the area called the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) to report finding him east of the RV park. Local agencies involved in the search and the Medical Examiner responded.
Next of kin has been notified.
Original Release – June 6, 2023 – 3:30 PM
On Monday, June 5, 2023, at approximately 6:36 PM, Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) received a report of a missing person in the water who was doing a float down in the Colorado River.
The missing person, identified as Brian Vasquez, 20, of Yuma, AZ, is described as being approximately 5’5 tall, weighing approximately 128 lbs., with brown hair, and brown eyes. Brian was last seen wearing black shorts.
Upon Deputy arrival, it was learned that a float down group entered the river near the Ocean to Ocean bridge and floated to Hidden Cove RV launch ramp where they attempted to get off the water. People from the group were able to get to the edge of the water except the victim, who kept going downriver. The group reported seeing the victim submerge under water and not come back up.
The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office, Border Patrol, CBP Air Unit, Yuma Police Department and the Yuma Fire Department Units responded to the scene. Agencies conducted an extensive search of the water and shores by both watercraft and air units, yielding negative results. At approximately 8:15 PM the search was discontinued.