San Diego man, 27, found dead off Tijuana coast after renting boat
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — A days-long search came to a tragic end Tuesday after officials in Mexico said they found the body of 27-year-old Victor Oswaldo Villarreal.
FOX 5/KUSI’s reporting partners at the San Diego Union-Tribune confirmed the young man had rented a boat in the U.S., sailed south across the border to spend the Easter weekend with family, when he was last seen swimming toward the boat.
Tijuana’s Regional Prosecutor Rubén Ramos Jiménez said his body was found along the coastline of Punta Banderas, less than 6 miles south of the border.
Body found near Jack in the Box
“The first responders, Secretary of the Marina, saw a body by the coast and then they immediately let the attorneys office know to begin the investigation process and once they were there, a family member of the victim recognized him as the missing young man by his tattoos,” Tijuana’s Regional Prosecutor Rubén Ramos Jiménez said during an interview Tuesday.
Several agencies in Mexico, along with Imperial Beach lifeguards and the Coast Guard, were involved in the search.
The conditions in the water Friday were considered moderate to rough with waves ranging from 3 to 6 feet as a weekend storm was approaching the region.
San Diego appliance store abruptly closes leaving customers fearing big losses
The prosecutor said Tuesday it’s presumed the young man had drowned, but the official investigation into his cause of death is still underway, before they release the man’s body to his family.
“He had injuries on his body, probably from tumbling in the ocean, but we can’t determine exactly what injury caused his death yet,” Tijuana’s prosecutor said.
A friend of Villarreal said he had attended Otay Ranch High School.
The young man’s uncle is a congressman in Tijuana.
Sammy Pena posted on Facebook: “…the body of my nephew was found lifeless near the search area, to my relatives I just want to share that the memories full of love and affection we have with Victor in our hearts bring us peace in this difficult time.”
He said he is “infinitely grateful to everyone who helped … State Government, Municipal Government of Tijuana, Municipal Government of Rosarito Beaches, Fire Departments and Civil Protection, Search Organizations, Persons who helped us with their drones and specialized search equipment like the Jets kits, my hiking friends who helped us, THANK YOU VERY MUCH TO ALL, FROM THE WHOLE HEART THANK YOU. Rest in peace Victor Oswaldo Villarreal Garcia.”
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
