Man Slips Off Rock, Drowns at Morena
A 39-year-old San Diego resident drowned Saturday at Lake Morena after slipping off a large, flat rock and falling into 12-foot-deep water, said Penne Hammerstead, a San Diego County deputy coroner.
The accident occurred about 11:30 a.m. while the victim, Ernest Edward Strong, of 630 N. 42nd St., a non-swimmer, was fishing with friends near the western boat launch. He had stepped out of a boat and was trying to retrieve a fish, Hammerstead said.
One of the fishermen dived in after him but had to be rescued by people on shore in the high winds and choppy water.
San Diego Sheriff’s Department divers were called to the scene, and the victim’s body was found at the bottom of the lake about 3 p.m.
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