Jasper County, TX — A three-day search for a missing swimmer at Lake Sam Rayburn ended Sunday morning when first responders recovered the body of 57-year-old Leopoldo Pantoja, according to the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office.
Pantoja had been missing since Thursday afternoon, August 13, after he and his wife entered the lake near Twin Dikes to cool off. Authorities said the couple had been several hundred yards from an island when their boat drifted away and they were unable to reach it.
Pantoja attempted to swim toward the boat and was not seen again, according to the sheriff’s office. His wife remained in the water until a civilian operating a jet ski located her and brought her safely to shore. The couple’s boat was later recovered nearby.
Deputies and dispatchers worked alongside multiple fire departments, Texas Game Wardens, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Texas EquuSearch and other responding agencies during an extensive search.
At approximately 7:30 a.m. Sunday, August 16, a member of the Lake Rayburn Volunteer Fire Department located and recovered Pantoja from the lake.
The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office thanked the agencies, first responders and volunteers who assisted throughout the search.
WATER SAFETY REMINDER: When boating or swimming in open water, wear a properly fitted life jacket. Conditions can change quickly, and distance from a boat or shoreline can be difficult to judge once in the water.
