Wickiup Reservoir drowning victim’s body found

Searchers on Monday afternoon found and recovered the body of a 29-year-old Bend man who drowned after his canoe capsized on Wickiup Reservoir nearly a month ago, Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies said.

Michael Mead had been out on the Davis arm of the reservoir, west of La Pine, with another man and a dog around 2 a.m. on June 13 when their canoe overturned, sending both men and the dog into the water. Daniel Ganley, 24, also of Bend, made it to shore, as did the dog, but Mead did not.

Sheriff’s office marine patrol deputies were continuing their search on Monday for Mead, including a return of side scan sonar search gear, provided courtesy of Redmond residents Patty Mayo and Jared Leisek, Sgt. William Bailey said.

Just after 1 p.m., while those search efforts were underway, Mead’s body was found on the water’s surface. He was recovered from the water and taken to an area funeral home, Bailey said.

“Our thoughts are with Mr. Mead’s family and friends as they go through this difficult time and mourn the loss of their loved one,” Bailey said in a news release. “A special thank you to Patty Mayo and Jared Leisek with Adventures with Purpose for donating the side scan sonar search equipment today.”

Meanwhile, in Jefferson County, sheriff’s deputy marine patrols continue to search Lake Billy Chinook for another drowning victim, Patricio Pineda, 52, of Oregon City. Deputies said he was diving off the top deck of a pontoon boat on June 14 when he hit his head on a railing and then disappeared beneath the water’s surface.