Applegate Lake drowning victim ID’d

Update (07/22 12:40 p.m.) — The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office said search and rescue divers recovered the body of 17-year-old Medford resident Antonio Jose Garcia just after 7:50 p.m. Thursday evening after he jumped into Applegate Lake and didn’t resurface.

Deputies said their thoughts go out to Garcia’s family and friends. They also remind the public of how unforgiving our waterways can be, and how quickly a day of fun can turn tragic.


Jackson County, Ore. — Jackson County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call today at 4:45 p.m. for a water rescue. When they arrived on scene, they learned that several teenagers were fishing, and then wanted to go swimming. They jumped off the Applegate Dam – a 60-foot drop.

“Two of the subjects was fine and then one of the subjects had difficulty swimming. Then ended up going underneath and they were unable to find him,” Captain Nathan Sickler said, Jackson County Sheriff Office.

By the time responders got the call, the teenager was already underwater for five minutes. Marine patrol, as well as divers, are still searching for the teenage boy.

Search and rescue will continue to look as weather and and visibility allows.

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