Man found dead in water at recreation area near the Merced River

A man was found dead at the McConnell Recreation Area on Sunday, according to California State Park Supervising Ranger Tony Tealdi.

Tealdi said park staff responded to the call at about 1:49 p.m. after the man was found by a park visitor in about three feet of water.

Merced County Sheriff’s Deputy Daryl Allen said the man has been identified as 70-year-old Sergio Flores of San Jose

According to Tealdi, Flores is believed to have been attending the park with an acquaintance. Park staff were on scene just over a minute after the call came in and performed CPR until emergency responders arrived.

According to Tealdi, Flores was pronounced dead on scene by paramedics at about 2:17 p.m. The cause of death remained unclear Sunday.

Flores was found at an area with a bend in the river that at this time of year, is typically about three feet deep all the way across.

This story was originally published August 25, 2019 at 5:25 PM.