Thursday, Jul. 12, 2012

Body of 50-year-old man found near Los Banos

A body found floating in the O'Neill Forebay Wednesday has been identified as a 50-year-old Los Banos man, according to a Merced County Sheriff's spokesman.

Maile Latu of Los Banos was discovered in the forebay around 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sgt. Scott Dover said.

Latu was reported missing Sunday, Dover said, from a family barbecue on the beach of the forebay’s swimming area.

"He was last seen walking along the bank," Dover said.

Dover said police were unable to locate Latu via helicopter or boat Sunday, and the Sheriff's dive team was unsuccessful Monday.

State Park officials found the body Wednesday and reported it to officers, Dover said.

The Merced County Coroner found no obvious signs of trauma, Dover said, but have not confirmed a cause of death pending examination and possible autopsy.

— Thaddeus Miller