TCSO identifies body found at Bob Wentz Park
The Travis County Sheriff's Office has identified the body that was found on the shoreline at Bob Wentz Park on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 as 27-year-old Ricardo Sierra Martinez of Mexico.
The cause and manner of death is pending the final report from the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office. According to TCSO, their investigation so far points to drowning.
On Sunday, June 10, patrons in Bob Wentz Park reported that they were unable to find their friend. The friend, Ricardo Sierra Martinez, reportedly swam out to a small island in Lake Travis not far from the point at Bob Wentz Park. Friends witnessed Martinez arrive safely and saw him relaxing on land.
According to their statements, approximately 30-45 minutes later, the friends looked back at the island and didn’t see him. An exhaustive search of the park was conducted. Travis County Park Rangers and TCSO Deputies searched the shoreline and the park, using public address speakers to call out to the man. TCSO Lake Patrol searched the water, assisted by Jonestown Police Department.
A DPS fixed-wing aircraft conducted an aerial search as well.
His body was found on Tuesday along the shoreline, according to TCSO.
Manuel Salas, 53 of Elgin was reported missing on May 5, 2018 in an area of Lake Travis near Mansfield Dam Park. Rachel Kathleen Scott, 25 of Round Rock was reported missing between Starnes Island and Volente Beach on May 19, 2018. Both are still missing. Diego Humberto Cerda-Acosta, 30 of Austin was reported missing in the water near Bob Wentz Park on May 27, 2018.
His body was recovered the morning of May 28, 2018.
TCSO implores swimmers and boaters on Lake Travis to wear their life jackets.
When seconds count in the unpredictable depths of the lake, life jackets save lives.