Deputies and family in search of missing man
Family members are now asking the community to help in the search and to meet at the Hidden Cove RV launch ramp
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Family members said 20-year-old Brian Vasquez of Yuma was last seen going underwater in the Colorado River near the launch ramp at the Hidden Cove RV Park Monday night.
Deputies were at the scene Tuesday morning searching for where Vasquez was last seen.
But so far, they have not been able to find him.
The Yuma County Sheriff's Office (YCSO) said he is described as 5'5 tall, weighs around 128 pounds, and has brown hair and brown eyes.
He was also last seen in black shorts and he has a scar on his chest.
According to YCSO, a float-down group entered the river near the Ocean to Ocean bridge and floated to the Hidden Cove RV launch ramp where they attempted to get off the water.
YCSO said people from the group were able to get to the edge of the water except for Vasquez, who kept going downriver.
The group said they saw the victim go underwater and did not come back up.
One local who lives near the launch ramp said she made the first call to 911.
“There was a young man running around my trailer and I came out the front door/gate. He said my friend drowned, I need to call 9-1-1, and I got back in the house grabbed my cell phone called 9-1-1, and told them what the situation was," said Kathy Smith Adams, a resident who lives near the launch ramp.
Family members are now asking the community to help in the search for Brian.
Christian Ruiz—Brian Vasquez's step-dad says family members were on scene since this unfolded Monday evening. Ruiz says "Brian is a bright young man, and we need some help right now, we need more boats more people to come over and walk along the canal…whatever helps anything helps we would greatly appreciate it.”
The YCSO boating unit will also remain in the area.