GRAND COUNTY, Utah, Aug. 29, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — The body of a 21-year-old man who went underwater while swimming in the Colorado River near Moab has been found.
Richard Lheureux, from California, who was recovered Friday at 8:30 a.m. by Grand County Search and Rescue, was last seen Aug. 22 at about 6 p.m.
Lheureux was swimming in the area of Big Bend Campground, which is seven miles upstream from Moab. He was found approximately half-a-mile downstream from the last place he was seen, the Grand County Sheriff’s Office said.
“Grand County Dispatch was advised of a possible drowning in the above location,” said a prepared statement from the Sheriff’s Office on Aug. 23.
“A 21-year-old male had been swimming in the area of Big Bend. The subject was not wearing a life jacket, and had just swam through an area of white water and was in calmer water when he went underwater. He was estimated to have been approximately 20 feet from the bank.”
Sheriff’s deputies responded to the area along with Grand County Search and Rescue. Classic Lifeguard Helicopter flew over the area, as did a Sheriff’s Office drone. Lights and spotters were set up on the river to monitor the river.
The body has been transported to the Utah State Medical Examiner’s Office.
