Our trip back to California began on August 21, 2017. Beth and I were reunited with our friend’s help from KFC Construction, John, Matt, and Rachel, to continue a search for young Markos Vasquez at Stampede Reservoir near Truckee, California.
We were able to gather much more information this trip and had firsthand witness accounts of the events immediately following the incident. We interviewed witnesses individually, out on location, in the boat. We also met with Markos’s mother, his 3 young brothers, and other family members.
Our first day gave us excellent search conditions for the sonar. The wind was fairly calm, and the water quite smooth. We covered the southern portion of our search area, but did not have targets for ROV deployment.
On the second day, we searched north of our previous grid, and toward the end of the day we located a target of great interest.
We deployed our Outland ROV and confirmed that it was Markos. We used the ROV’s manipulator to recover him in around 100 feet of water.
That evening, we traveled to Carson City, NV, to inform his Mother and brothers. Markos has a strong, loving, hardworking family, and, of course, we hope this part of the closure helps them find some peace.
We wish to thank all the witnesses and everyone who helped in any way possible. There is always an outpouring of aid from good people, and without them, it would be so much more difficult. John, Matt and Rachel on the boat and helping beyond the boat – THANK YOU. We wish to thank Truckee Donner Lodge for assistance with accommodations as well.
