MARICOPA COUNTY, Ariz. — A man was found dead in Bartlett Lake one day after he was reported missing by his friends, according to the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office.
MCSO told 12News they were called just before 6:30 p.m. on Saturday by a friend of 46-year-old Richard Myers, saying Myers had gone missing.
VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: Sus amigos denunciaron la desaparición de un hombre en Bartlett Lake y un día después, lo encontraron muerto en el agua
Deputies spoke with the caller in the Bartlett Flats area of the lake, and they said that Myers had disappeared from the group at about 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Witnesses told deputies that Myers was attending the Bartlett Bash, an LGBTQ+ camping event at the lake, and that he was seen walking around the area, going from campsite to campsite partying.
The caller was able to take deputies to the area where Myers was last seen, which that was at a "rock finger," which extended out from the shore into the water.
Deputies tried to find Myers in the water, but due to darkness and lights from trailers nearby, they could not see him in the water.
On Sunday, deputies returned to the area and used sonar to search the lake, where they observed three abnormalities. MCSO then used a remotely operated vehicle to find and recover Myers' body.
His body was pulled from the lake and taken to the Bartlett Aid Station and has now been placed in the custody of the Maricopa County Medical Examiner.
MCSO told 12News Myers had scratches on his ears and redness on his left eye when he was found. They believe he was trying to walk along a rock formation when he possibly fell, hit his head and went into the water.
Deputies are still investigating this case, but they do not believe foul play is a factor. They are investigating to see if alcohol played a part in Myers' death.
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