Archive » March 29, 2007
Online Breaking News: Two Lompoc Residents Drown in Buellton Irrigation Pond Thursday
By Valley Journal Staff
Thursday, authorities discovered the bodies of two victims in what appears to be an accidental drowning in an irrigation pond at Clos Pepe Winery in Buellton. The two victims, 49-year-old Ramon Cisneros Acosta and 29-year-old Rogelio Ruiz Reyez, were reported missing by their families when they did not return home after their scheduled shift.
The Sheriff’s Department first began its search for the two residents from Lompoc at about 9 p.m. Wednesday, but crews were unsuccessful at finding Cisneros and Reyez. After searching the winery property, authorities continued the search Thursday morning and found the two victims in the irrigation pond in about 5-8 feet of water.
According to the Press Release issued by the Sheriff’s Department Thursday, dive team members found the victims in the pond near the filtration system. Initial investigation suggests that one of the victims was in a small kayak working on the filter, when he fell into the water. The second victim appears to have gone into the water in a rescue attempt, but became a victim himself.
Though no foul play is suspected, the Sheriff’s Coroners bureau will continue its investigation of the incident.
View of kayak that authorities believe one of the victims fell out of.
View of Irrigation Pond where apparent accident took place.