The Merced County Sheriff's Department had been searching for the two bodies for 2 1/2 hours before they located them underwater. It happened on the Fourth of July at Lake Yosemite. These are the first drownings at the lake this year.
The Sheriff's Department said around 2 p.m. on July 4th is when the struggle started. Even though it's not allowed, people were jumping from the pier. The Sheriff's Department says the victims are a 44-year old man from Merced and a 23-year old man from Fresno. The older gentleman jumped in and started to flail in the water. The younger man went to save him and they both panicked and went under.
The dive team found and pulled the two bodies from the water. Investigators say the two men were not related, just friends. Deputies are now working to question family and friends. They are also not sure if alcohol played a factor in the drownings.
Lake Yosemite was opened shortly after the bodies were recovered.