Tragedy has struck on the Delta-Mendota Canal as the Alameda County Sheriff's Office confirms the recovery of a body believed to be that of Lester Ashcraft, 56, who went missing after a fishing accident. Ashcraft fell into the canal on May 31 and was swept away by the powerful current. Despite immediate attempts to rescue him, he was quickly carried downstream.
The body was spotted on June 4 by staff at the San Luis and Delta-Mendota Water Authority and retrieved near S. Tracy Boulevard in Tracy. Efforts to safely recover the body involved coordination with various agencies, including the South County Tracy Fire Department, which used a ladder truck and pulleys to retrieve the body from the water safely. "A wallet containing a California Identification Card belonging to Lester Ashcraft" was found with the decedent, as stated in a message provided by the Alameda County Sheriff's Office. However, official identification is still pending.
The search for Ashcraft began after he was reported missing near Grant Line Road. It continued into the following days, with air and UAV teams and ground patrols scouring the area. Unfortunately, the search operations were significantly hindered by an initially treacherous current that was later reduced to make conditions more manageable, as reported by Hoodline. Nevertheless, it was deemed too dangerous to allow divers to enter the water at the time.
As we enter summer with its rising temperatures and increased outdoor activity, the Alameda County Sheriff's Office urges the public to remain vigilant around bodies of water. In light of the recent incident, they are always advising people to wear a life jacket, abstain from alcohol and substances near water, avoid unknown water conditions, particularly non-swimmers, and stay updated on local advisories.
