NEED TO KNOW
- Simon T. Daniel of Pinole, California, drowned while on vacation with members of Sigma Pi Fraternity at Cal. State Fullerton on Saturday, May 17
- The first-year student, 18, and other students were unaware that “heavy rains in the Havasu Valley region” had made conditions “hazardous” to swim in before entering the water, according to the Sigma Pi fraternity
- “He was the heart of the fraternity – genuine, joyful, and someone who brightened every room with his brilliant smile,” Daniel’s fraternity brothers wrote on Facebook
An 18-year-old California State University, Fullerton student died during a visit to Lake Havasu with his fraternity brothers, according to multiple reports.
Simon T. Daniel of Pinole, California, disappeared while swimming in the Copper Canyon area at around 3 p.m. local time on Saturday, May, 17, the Los Angeles Times reported, citing the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. He had entered the water alongside three members of the Sigma Pi fraternity and visiting sorority members.
“Unbeknownst to them, recent heavy rains in the Havasu Valley region had significantly increased water flow, creating hazardous conditions including strong currents, crosswind, and swells,” according to a Facebook post by Sigma Pi fraternity.
“When the group found themselves in distress, several fraternity members heroically risked their own lives to rescue all six students,” the post continued. “Tragically, Simon was swept away by a sudden wave that separated him from one of the rescuers. He disappeared beneath the water.”
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department teamed up with other agencies to search for Daniel, using divers, sonar and a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) until darkness fell, ABC 7, KTLA, and CBS News reported.
His body was found at around 8:54 a.m. the next morning, per the Los Angeles Times, citing officials.
Over 200 students attended a candlelit vigil in his memory later that day, and the university announced via the Sigma Pi fraternity Facebook page that those affected by Daniel’s death can access their counselling services.
“Simon was a computer science major, a proud initiated member of Sigma Pi Fraternity, and a respected leader on campus,” the fraternity said on Facebook, adding that he was “known for his love of music, boundless energy, and kind spirit. He was the heart of the fraternity – genuine, joyful, and someone who brightened every room with his brilliant smile.”
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Sharing photos of Daniel alongside the Facebook post, they wrote, “Simon is survived by his mother and a community of loved ones and brothers who deeply mourn his loss.”
The fraternity called on everyone to be “respectful and thoughtful” when discussing the tragedy as “we grieve this profound loss together.”
PEOPLE has reached out to Sigma Pi Fraternity at Cal. State Fullerton and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department for comment.
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