Merced kayaker ID’d after drowning in Courtyard Reservoir in Fresno County
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- Deputies identified 35-year-old Matthias Aguilar as the man who drowned Friday.
- Aguilar fell from his kayak while fishing near Marmot Rock Campground in Fresno County.
- He wore heavy clothing but no life jacket, and was unresponsive upon rescue.
A Merced man drowned Friday in the Courtright Reservoir in Fresno County, deputies said.
He was identified as 35-year-old Matthias Aguilar.
Deputies responded to the reservoir just before 8 a.m. after receiving a call that Aguilar was unresponsive after being pulled out of the water.
Deputies learned Aguilar was fishing in a kayak near Marmot Rock Campground when he lost balance and fell into the water. Deputies said Aguilar was wearing heaving clothing and boots, but no life jacket.
Aguilar attempted to swim to shore, deputies said, but went underwater and resurfaced two minutes later.
Aguilar’s friends swam out to him and were able to take him to the shore and attempted CPR while deputies and EMS responded. Aguilar was pronounced dead at the scene.
This story was originally published July 19, 2025 at 10:32 AM.
