Man who drowned at Modesto Reservoir identified by Stanislaus Sheriff’s Department

The 41-year-old man who drowned Sunday afternoon at Modesto Reservoir has been identified as Wesley Nichols of Modesto, the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department reported.

The drowning was reported about 1:25 p.m. Sunday. Sheriff’s Lt. Ed Ridenour said Nichols was last seen swimming about 25 feet off shore. It was unclear if he was alone or with a group at the reservoir.

Later, others at the reservoir spotted Nichols’ body submerged in the water. They pulled him out of the water and began cardiopulmonary resuscitation to try to revive him, Ridenour said.

Medics soon arrived and took over the lifesaving attempts but were not successful. Nichols was pronounced dead at the scene. He was not wearing a life vest.

Ridenour said the water in the reservoir is at a high level and extremely cold, reminding swimmers to be extra cautious.

No additional information on the circumstances of the drowning was available Monday morning from the Sheriff’s Department. Sgt. Anthony Bejaran, department spokesman, said an autopsy and toxicology tests will be done.

This story was originally published May 21, 2017 at 6:04 PM with the headline "Man who drowned at Modesto Reservoir identified by Stanislaus Sheriff’s Department."