Authorities announced Wednesday, July 23, that three men who disappeared while fishing and swimming on a sandbar in the Mississippi River near Memphis, Tennessee, have been found dead. The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and other Memphis-area agencies conducted an extensive search and rescue operation after the men were reported missing Tuesday evening, July 22.
Search and rescue teams began looking for the three men Tuesday evening after they were reported missing near a boat ramp at Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park. The comprehensive search operation included aircraft, rescue boats, and sonar equipment to locate the missing individuals.
The search was suspended Tuesday night due to darkness but resumed Wednesday morning. The first two bodies were recovered at approximately 11 a.m. Wednesday, while the third body was found at about 1:25 p.m., according to the sheriff’s office.
The three men were identified as Marlon Mendez, 28, Rudy Perez, 31, and Jose Yanes, 52.
Authorities indicated that the area around the state park has become increasingly popular for recreation, but the Mississippi River presents numerous hazards for swimmers and boaters. Officials warned that the river contains strong currents, submerged items, branches, and debris that pose significant dangers to those entering the water.
The fire department emphasized the river’s dangerous conditions, noting that eddy currents can pull even Olympic-level swimmers underwater. They described scenarios where individuals can be drawn into channels and find themselves facing barges the size of skyscrapers with crews unable to detect their presence in the water.
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park is located in Shelby Forest, north of Memphis, and sits along the Mississippi River. The park’s proximity to the river makes it a popular destination for fishing and recreational activities, though authorities continue to stress the inherent dangers of the waterway.
Multiple agencies participated in the search and recovery operation, demonstrating the coordinated response effort to locate the missing men. The operation involved both aerial and water-based search techniques, utilizing specialized equipment to cover the expansive search area around the state park.
The cause of death for all three men will be determined by the medical examiner, authorities announced. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding their disappearance and deaths remains ongoing as officials work to piece together the events that led to this outcome.
The incident occurred during summer months when river recreation activities typically increase, drawing more visitors to waterfront areas and state parks along the Mississippi River. The timing coincides with peak season for fishing and swimming activities in the region.
The recovery of all three bodies brings closure to the immediate search operation, though the investigation phase continues. Emergency response teams successfully located and recovered the men within 24 hours of resuming the search Wednesday morning.
This incident adds to ongoing concerns about water safety along the Mississippi River, particularly in areas where recreational activities intersect with the river’s powerful current systems. Authorities regularly issue warnings about the dangers posed by the river’s unpredictable conditions and hidden hazards.
The men’s families and the broader Memphis community await further details as the investigation progresses and medical examiner results become available. The coordinated response effort involved numerous agencies working together to bring resolution to the search operation.
