Simon Daniel dies in fatal Lake Havasu drowning

Simon Daniel dies in fatal Lake Havasu drowning

Fatal Lake Havasu drowning death of Simon Daniel – Obituary

Simon Daniel, an 18-year-old from Pinole and a freshman at California State University Fullerton, tragically drowned in Lake Havasu on Saturday during a trip with his college fraternity, Sigma Pi.

According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department, Daniel and several other students—three fraternity brothers and two sorority members—were swimming in the lake under dangerous conditions involving strong currents, crosswinds, and rough water. The group struggled in the water, and although some of the fraternity members attempted to assist, Daniel was pulled under by a sudden wave and disappeared from view.

Authorities received a distress call around 3 p.m. near the Copper Canyon area of the lake. Divers were deployed to search for Daniel, but as night fell, the search shifted to sonar equipment. His body was recovered the following morning, on May 18, just before 9 a.m.

Simon Daniel was studying computer science and had recently graduated from St. Mary’s College High School in Berkeley in 2024. He had previously attended St. Joseph Elementary School in Pinole. A teacher who knew him spoke warmly of his accomplishments and character.

His fraternity described him as a beloved figure who brought positivity and joy to those around him. In a tribute post, they remembered him as “the heart of the fraternity,” known for his kindness and his ever-present smile.

The sheriff’s department continues to investigate the incident. Anyone with further information is asked to contact Corporal Brandon Abell of the Colorado River Station/Needles Police Department at 760-326-9200.