The body of a California teenager who went missing over the weekend after swimming in the frigid Truckee River has been found, according to the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office.
Rescue teams started searching for Brian Gallardo, 19, on Saturday, when he vanished underwater near Floriston, California.
The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office said it worked alongside several agencies and deployed K9 teams, drones, helicopters, swimmers, and ground searchers to find Gallardo, whose body was ultimately located by the Washoe County’s Sheriff Office divers on Monday.
“The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) recognizes this incident as a profound loss of a young man, and the deep loss experienced by his family and friends.
“Drownings are especially difficult incidents, often unfolding quickly and leaving a lasting impact on families, responders, and the community,” NCSO said in a statement.
The river had strong currents due to excessive snowmelt runoff, with the water temperature dipping to about 44 degrees, according to KCRA 3.
Authorities encouraged the public to use caution when swimming in water ways, and underscored that the current river conditions are fast, cold and dangerous.
The 19-year-old from Petaluma was described as “charismatic, ambitious, kind, and deeply loved by those who knew him,” according to a GoFundMe page posted Gallardo’s girlfriend’s mother.
“He had goals he wanted to achieve, which were sadly cut short by this tragic event. This untimely tragedy has left us heartbroken and searching for ways to support each other through this difficult time,” the post went on to read.
Photos show Gallardo smiling alongside his girlfriend at the river just moments before the tragedy.
The GoFundMe has raised nearly $7,000 of its $12,000 goal to help cover the funeral costs and provide support for Gallardo’s family.
