21-year-old who drowned at Bartlett Lake recovered, identified

PHOENIX — The body of a 21-year-old man who drowned at Bartlett Lake on Saturday was recovered on Sunday, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office announced on Monday.

Deputies responded to the far side of Bartlett Flats about 4:30 p.m. on Saturday for the potential drowning. Upon arrival, they learned a man began struggling when swimming without a life jacket.

Two people onsite tried to rescue the man, but their efforts were unsuccessful. He had been underwater for about 15 minutes by the time deputies arrived.

A full search of the surrounding grounds and waters ensued, leading to the recovery of the 21-year-old, identified as Juan Ojeda-Valdez.

No foul play is suspected in the ongoing investigation, authorities said.

Details behind 21-year-old drowning at Bartlett Lake

Ojeda-Valdez lost his footing about three-quarters of the way across the lake’s cove he had attempted to walk across, according to a report from MCSO on Sunday.

Authorities said the 15-foot depth and cold water temperatures were potential factors in the incident.

A second person tried to walk across the cove as well, struggling at points before reaching safety, authorities said.

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