19 Year Old Marine Dies After Drowning At Cherry Lake

Published Sep 8, 2026 4:39 pm

Groveland, CA—A 19-year-old active-duty Marine died Saturday after drowning while swimming at Cherry Lake, according to the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies received a report of the drowning at about 2:39 p.m. on September 5, with CPR reportedly already in progress. The Sheriff’s Office said Josue Gonzalez of Riverside County had been hiking in the area with a friend when he decided to swim from the shoreline toward Cherry Lake Island. His friend, who did not consider himself a strong swimmer, remained on shore. Gonzalez experienced difficulty while swimming and eventually went below the surface.

A community member on the island witnessed what happened and swam to the area where Gonzalez was last seen. The person located Gonzalez approximately 15 feet below the surface and brought him to the surface. A nearby boater stopped to help, and Gonzalez was taken aboard the vessel. CPR was performed as the boat traveled toward the boat ramp, where emergency personnel continued lifesaving efforts after arriving. Despite more than an hour and 45 minutes of lifesaving efforts by community members, firefighters, and medical personnel, Gonzalez could not be revived and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Sheriff’s Office identified Gonzalez as an active-duty United States Marine and extended condolences to his family, friends, fellow Marines, and others affected by the incident. The Sheriff’s Office also recognized the community members and first responders who attempted to save Gonzalez.