Fraternity brother drowns during trip to Lake Havasu amid hazardous conditions
- Simon Daniel was a freshman at California State University, Fullerton, who entered Lake Havasu River with friends.
- Following heavy rains, the water conditions were hazardous, leading to Simon being swept away by a wave.
- Emergency responders recovered Simon's body the following morning, prompting mourning within the fraternity community.
In the United States, a tragic incident occurred over the weekend involving Simon Daniel, an 18-year-old freshman at California State University, Fullerton, who drowned during a fraternity trip to Lake Havasu, Arizona. Daniel, hailing from Pinole, California, was part of a group that included three fraternity brothers and two visiting sorority members. The group entered the water at Lake Havasu River amid recently increased water flow due to heavy rains in the region, which created dangerous conditions for swimming. On that fateful Saturday, as the group enjoyed their outing, they soon found themselves in peril. The Sigma Pi Fraternity at Cal State Fullerton disclosed that the recent heavy rains had resulted in strong currents, crosswinds, and swells that posed significant risks. While attempting to keep safe, several fraternity members bravely risked their lives to assist their peers. Tragedy struck when a sudden wave swept Simon away, separating him from the rescuers and ultimately leading to his disappearance beneath the surface. Emergency responders promptly arrived on the scene after the group called 911, but despite their swift actions, Daniel remained missing for several hours. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department reported that divers were deployed, and efforts included sonar equipment and remote-operated vehicles to locate him. Those searching confronted challenging conditions, but a team of divers continued their mission until nightfall. Unfortunately, it wasn't until Sunday morning, just before 9 a.m., that Daniel's body was recovered, marking a tragic end to the frantic search. In the days following this heart-wrenching incident, the fraternity expressed their grief, describing Simon Daniel as a computer science major known for his vibrant personality, love of music, and infectious kindness. They depicted him as the heart of their fraternity, noting that his joyful spirit and bright smile left a lasting impression on those who knew him. The fraternity community is mourning the loss of a cherished member, and the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department has urged anyone with information regarding the events leading to this tragic drowning to reach out to the local police department for further investigation.