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Mono Lake drowning saddens community |
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Friday, 12 September 2008 |
By Stacey Powells
Mammoth Times Staff Writer
Mono Lake advocate Bill Mendoza, 57, had been involved with the Mono Lake Committee since its inception more than 30 years ago. Every Labor Day Mendoza would spend his time kayaking the lake. On Sunday, Aug. 31 the winds kicked up to over 80 miles per hour and although the exact details aren't clear, what was evident is that Mendoza was somewhere out on the Lake.
Mendoza had secured a Recessional Lands Camping Agreement with the State Parks Service to canoe from Navy Beach to Paoha Island, leaving on Aug. 29 and returning Aug. 31. Mendoza had checked in at the Ranger's Office prior to leaving on the trip.
“He was very well prepared as he always was with food and the right equipment,” said Mono Lake Committee Executive Director Geoff McQuilkin. “Unfortunately, the winds were just too much for someone even with his experience.”
The Mono Lake Committee also received reports from aircraft flying above the lake asking if one of the islands was erupting because the white foam from the winds was so severe that it could be seen from 30,000 feet above.
According to the press release from the Mono County Sheriff's office, at approximately 12:30 p.m. on Sept. 1, park personnel discovered that Mendoza had not checked back in. Mendoza's wife was contacted. She confirmed that he had not returned home. Mr. Mendoza's vehicle was still parked at Navy Beach and because of the extreme wind conditions, Park personnel contacted the Sheriff's Department.
A waterborne search was conducted and at about 1 p.m. on Sept. 2, Mr. Mendoza's kayak was located on the east shore of Paoha Island and his body was located south on the same shore line about 0.13 miles away and about five miles from the point of his departure.
The cause of death was determined to be accidental drowning.
“Bill Mendoza was a tremendous advocate of Mono Lake,” McQuilkin said. “He loved the spiritual value of the lake and was involved since the formation of the committee over 30 years ago. He returned at the end of every summer to kayak Mono Lake before he went back to teach middle school.”
McQuilkin said it's always best to be prepared to spend the night out on one of the islands because the wind conditions come up and change abruptly. “It's larger than you think. There are miles and miles of open water,” McQuilkin said. “We've see it be calm and within 90 minutes there are rolling white caps. Always use extreme caution when out on the lake.”
Materials for boating safety are always available at the Mono Lake Committee building and at the visitors center. Always check for lake wind advisories.
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Last Updated ( Friday, 19 September 2008 )
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