Ronnie Cole, a 19-year-old resident of Mariposa, California, was reported missing after a tragic incident at the Merced River. On Friday, June 23, 2017, Cole had gone swimming with two female friends in the Briceburg area of the river, specifically at a location known as “Cable Beach.” Despite the recreational nature of the outing, the river's conditions were perilous due to massive snowmelt that had significantly increased the water's strength and volume. Ronnie entered the river wearing blue jeans and shoes, and was quickly swept away by the powerful current.
Following his disappearance, an extensive search operation was launched involving multiple agencies, volunteers, and members of the local community. The search spanned several days and covered a wide area along the river. Despite the dedication and exhaustive efforts of search and rescue teams, Ronnie remained missing for over a week. On Saturday, July 1, 2017, the Mariposa County Emergency Dispatch Center received a 911 call reporting the discovery of a body in the water. Responders from the Mariposa County Boating Division, detectives, and search and rescue personnel arrived at the scene and confirmed the body was that of Ronnie Cole.
His body was found approximately three miles upriver from the Bagby Campground area, nearly eight miles downriver from where he was last seen. The recovery marked the end of a heartbreaking search that had gripped the local community. The Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office issued a public statement expressing gratitude to all who participated in the search and emphasized the dangers of swimming in rivers during periods of high runoff. The incident served as a sobering reminder of the risks posed by natural water bodies, especially during seasons of increased flow.
Last Seen: Jul 3, 2017
