19-Year-Old U.S. Marine Josue Gonzalez Dies in Tragic Drowning at California’s Cherry Lake

A young active-duty United States Marine has died following a tragic drowning at Cherry Lake in California, authorities said.

Josue Gonzalez, 19, of Riverside County, had been hiking near the lake with a friend on September 5 when he decided to swim from the shoreline toward Cherry Lake Island, according to the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities said Gonzalez began experiencing difficulty while swimming and eventually disappeared beneath the surface. His friend remained on shore because he did not consider himself a strong swimmer.

A person on the island who witnessed the emergency swam to the area where Gonzalez was last seen. The rescuer located him approximately 15 feet underwater and brought him back to the surface. A nearby boater then helped bring Gonzalez aboard a vessel while CPR was performed.

Emergency personnel continued lifesaving efforts after the boat reached the ramp. Despite more than an hour and 45 minutes of efforts by members of the public, firefighters and medical personnel, Gonzalez could not be revived and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities identified Gonzalez as an active-duty U.S. Marine and offered condolences to his family, friends, fellow Marines and everyone affected by the tragedy.

The Sheriff’s Office also recognized the civilians and emergency responders who desperately tried to save the young Marine. His death serves as a tragic reminder that even seemingly calm recreational waters can become dangerous when a swimmer encounters unexpected difficulty.