Breaking news logo

Rescuers have recovered the body of 23-year-old Nolan Christopher Felipe Tolentino, who drowned Friday afternoon in Lake Patagonia.Β 

Victor Coss, Santa Cruz County search and rescue coordinator, confirmed the "successful recovery."

Dive teams from neighboring Pima and Cochise counties assisted in the effort, Sheriff Tony Estrada told the Star. Β Β 

At about 1:30 p.m. Friday afternoon, authorities received multiple calls reporting that a man went under water and did not surface, according to Estrada.

Estrada said the 23-year-old victim, who was reportedly several days away from his 24th birthday, was a member of the National Guard in Tucson and from Surprise, Arizona.Β 

Patagonia State Park rangers are leading the investigation into the incident, according to Estrada.Β 

Estrada said that several friends of the victim told officials that the group had been trying to swim across the lake when Tolentino started struggling.Β 

"When they doubled back to try and reach him, he had already gone under," Estrada said.Β 


Become a #ThisIsTucson member! Your contribution helps our team bring you stories that keep you connected to the community. Become a member today.

Contact reporter Carmen Duarte at cduarte@tucson.com or 573-4104. Twitter: @cduartestar