Napa woman drowns at Lake Berryessa

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Friday, September 11, 2009

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By ALISHA WYMAN
Register Staff Writer

Lake Berryessa coverage

October 5th, 2009

Berryessa Highlands residents agree to water rate increase

September 18th, 2009

Oak Shores to reopen for swimming

September 17th, 2009

Berryessa swimming area reopens this weekend

September 13th, 2009

Sad days at the lake

September 12th, 2009

Sixth person dead from drowning at lake this year

Alisha Wyman articles

November 26th, 2009

Traffic stop leads to drug bust

Public defender blocks jurist from some hearings

DUI arrest in North Napa

Debit card theft arrest

November 25th, 2009

Napa man arrested after suspected cell phone theft

10 a.m.A Napa woman who was taken to the hospital after being pulled unconscious Thursday afternoon from Lake Berryessa died at a Napa County hospital early this morning.

Shannon Johnson, 40, was swimming at Acorn Beach at about 3 p.m. Thursday with Napa residents Lori Popoloski, 38, and Charles Blessing, 43, according to the Napa County Sheriff’s Department.

Johnson never got out of the water.

Popoloski and Blessing were able to find her and pull her to the shore, the sheriff's department said. CPR was performed on her until medical help arrived.

Johnson was flown by helicopter to St. Helena Hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 12:55 a.m. today.

Sheriff’s investigators are looking for witnesses who may have been in the area at the time of the drowning.

They are asking anyone with any information to contact Detective Chris Carlisle at 253-6030. You may also send a message to sherifftipline@co.napa.ca.us or call the Sheriff’s Investigations Office at 253-4591.

8 p.m. Thursday update: A female of unspecified age nearly drowned at Lake Berryessa Thursday, but bystanders saved her from the fate of two men who died earlier this week in the lake.

At 3:17 p.m., a female was struggling in the water at Acorn Beach, according to Napa County Sheriff's Office Capt. Tracey Stuart.

Witnesses were able to pull her from the water and began CPR, Stuart said. Emergency crews responded and called a helicopter.

The female was flown to St. Helena Hospital and taken to the intensive care unit, Stuart said. Detectives went to the lake for further questioning of witnesses, she said.

It's the third similar incident so far this week. Monday and Tuesday, men drowned in the lake.

The first was a 23-year-old Guatemala man who was swimming to an island Monday with his cousin in the Foxtail Flat area.

Jonatan Najera began struggling at about 20 yards offshore. His cousin's rescue attempts proved futile, and rescuers responded.

A dive team found his body near the area he went under in about 15 feet of water.

On Tuesday, Fairfield resident Tyron Jenkins, 26, was swimming to an island from Acorn Beach.

He, too, began struggling after getting a short distance off shore. Two female friends he was with were unable to save him.

The dive team responded and recovered his body in eight to 15 feet of water.

The two men marked the fourth and fifth drowning deaths in Napa County so far this year.

The female’s condition and age was not released and further information about the circumstances of Thursday’s near-drowning were unavailable at press time.

View Possible Lake Berryessa drowning in a larger map

35 comment(s)

lol wrote on Sep 10, 2009 7:31 PM:

" two words people...LIFE VESTS! "

loulou wrote on Sep 10, 2009 9:53 PM:

" somthing is wrong at that lake... makes me feel like there is a monster there.. "

JJtoob wrote on Sep 10, 2009 9:58 PM:

" Has anyone here been swimming in the lake? I'd like to know if it felt any different from any other time. These incidents are close to each other enough to think there is a good reason why so many people are drowning/near drowning in the lake. Or are people just being recklessly going in the water? "

Little Lord Fauntleroy wrote on Sep 10, 2009 11:58 PM:

" Most people overestimate their swimming ability. I doubt most people, unless they were competitive swimmers in school, could swim more than 150 feet without resting. Add to that alcohol, heat, and cold water...and you get 3 drownings in 4 days. "

Combatboots wrote on Sep 11, 2009 12:30 AM:

" Need to be careful out there. Hope she gets better soon. "

whodini wrote on Sep 11, 2009 2:52 AM:

" loulou, its not a Monster. The lake is just taking back what its lost in the past. "LIVES" Doesn't anyone know the history of the lake? It's not a vengefull lake but I can tell you from experience I nearly drowned in the lake in just 6ft of water about 20yards from shore. There's a force within the lake that overcomes the human soul and devours your life. "

Baraki wrote on Sep 11, 2009 6:44 AM:

" Is there a freakin lake monster in there or what?? "

JustAnotherManicMonday wrote on Sep 11, 2009 8:06 AM:

" Hmm, recent full moon affecting water? Or monster? Yeah, monster. "

lol wrote on Sep 11, 2009 8:14 AM:

" my family boats and swims in that lake every summer, since our girls were 3 and 4. The one rule we have is, wearing life vests. It is fun to float in the vest, and very relaxing. I wish people would see the value of investing forty dollars for a cheap vest - they sell them at every department store in sporting goods. What a waste to lose a life, which could have been so easily saved. By the way, even a couple of those cheap noodles can keep a person afloat for a while. "

napa1984 wrote on Sep 11, 2009 8:54 AM:

" I go to he lake every summer. One year my friend wanted me to swim across to the other island, and I did it, however I know I am not a strong swimmer. Its a good thing I was not drinking. People- the islands are farther than it seems, and add people drinking and swimming and it is no good. I hope everyone can listen to themselves, if you know your not a good swimmer dont try or wear life vest! My prayers to the other two families. "

DannyK wrote on Sep 11, 2009 8:56 AM:

" Two things to consider:
1. Oak Shores is the only place to go swimming now with so many places being closed.
2. Now this is "strange": this the exact location where in the 1970's, the Zodiac Killer struck and killed the girl student and nearly killed her boyfriend, on that nearby island/peninsula.
I swim at Oak Shores occasionally but stay within the swimming area. Could be bad karma so use your head and be safe. "

napablogger wrote on Sep 11, 2009 9:21 AM:

" Isnt that the location of that Indian burial ground that got covered up when they made the lake???? "

NapaNana wrote on Sep 11, 2009 10:01 AM:

" NOW you are all getting the picture.......that lake is dangerous. No explanations....
Life jackets will keep you from drowning......but it does seem that if you go into the water without one....you are fair game. Strong swimmers or not!
These last 3 young people falling victim to the Lake...... from what we have been told.....were not drinking.
Don't swim in that lake people. There IS something wrong with the whole big picture of it all. "

REGISTERNAME wrote on Sep 11, 2009 10:07 AM:

" Due to the recent DEATHS as well as many other - it is beyond me why they don't close of that portion of the lake! At what number do they finally close that part off or do an investigation into WHY people are drowing THERE! Good lord. "

pinkflame wrote on Sep 11, 2009 11:13 AM:

" Haunted Lake? Seriously? "

napan007 wrote on Sep 11, 2009 11:20 AM:

" Oh dear the poor lady died too... I think what we have going on here is that people are seriously underestimating the cardiovascular strength required to swim out far or swim for long periods of time... perhaps as a result of feeling so lightweight in the water we incorrectly think ourselves fitter than we really are? I mean no disrespect; I am working on increasing my own cardio strength currently and have a long way to go. No swimming to the islands for me.

Are there signs warning of the dangers of swimming out to the islands? "

leavintown wrote on Sep 11, 2009 12:21 PM:

" Oh my god...... Indian burial ground? Zodiac killings in that area? Lake monsters? Give me a break!!!! Bottom line is all three of these people were acting carelessly. As long as people keep swimming in that lake without life vest, there will be more drownings. Put your life vest on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "

baybgrl2369 wrote on Sep 11, 2009 12:27 PM:

" Are you all serious. Someone has died. The lake is just as dangerous as any body of water. Whether it be a pool or a lake. It is unfortunate a life jacket was not worn. But where is your sympathy for a life lost and for the family that will no longer have this person in their life. Please stop with the ranting of what a disaster Lake Berryessa is. "

baybgrl2369 wrote on Sep 11, 2009 12:36 PM:

" Are you all serious...someone has lost their lives. Lake Berryessa is just as dangerous as any body of water whether its a pool or a lake. Have some respect for the families that lost their loved ones. It is unfortuante that a life vest was not being worn. But lets stop the ranting on Lake Berryessa as it really has no bearing on the story..they post articles like this to prevent things from happening again. "

notshocked wrote on Sep 11, 2009 12:44 PM:

" well said, baybgrl2369 "

kbeau wrote on Sep 11, 2009 1:01 PM:

" Growing up in Napa we were always told of how dangerous that lake is, and that it is haunted. No matter how good of a swimmer you are, in a life jacket or not, you can be pulled under. The lake was made right over an entire community...homes, churches, schools, shops, peoples livelihood. Nobody wanted to leave their home; and some didn't. "

noblindershere wrote on Sep 11, 2009 1:01 PM:

" I have gone swimming in this exact location when preparing for a triathlon..i'm an ok swimmer, but managed to swim to the island and back with four other people. The one thing I did notice about this area is that there is a severe drop off about 30 feet out that might catch people off guard and they freak out. Bottom line, don't drink and swim and don't swimm unless you are a strong swimmer, it takes a lot of cardio strength to swim that distance.
Sad to hear the news of so many deaths in such a short time. Sounds like a lifeguard station is needed on the banks of the one area where people are congregating. "

CapellFirefighter wrote on Sep 11, 2009 1:14 PM:

" Our thoughts and prayers go out to Shannon's Family and Friends. Her Friends are REAL heros for doing CPR on her until help arrived. Not everyone is brave enough, especially on a friend!!
Please have respect for the family and friends that read your posts. Yes.....life jackets should be worn in water where you cannot see the bottom. Yes....people underestimate thier swimming abilities on a regular basis. No matter how many times you've been out on the Lake, you should always use caution. But please remember that these are REAL people with REAL families and friends left behind to grieve for them. People who had no intention of making this visit to the Lake their last one. When Panic sets in....even the strongest of swimmers can lose the ability to reason. The continuous banter about Lake Monsters and Burial Grounds needs to stop! It's plain and simple....if you're on ANY large body of water.....be careful, have fun, and come back and visit us again! "

Skip M. wrote on Sep 11, 2009 1:29 PM:

" Have you never heard the tale of The Hand of Lake Berryessa?

As the finishing touches were being put on Monticello Dam, and the waters were rising, construction crews were working night and day to get the boat ramps laid before the waters got too high. At Markley Cove, a come-along trailer that was being used there and got away from the crew and rolled down the newly laid ramp, catching a worker as it raced out of control toward the waters.

With a huge splash, the trailer hit the water and the worker was pinned in the undercarriage of the rig as it floated out into the cove. The rig sank, dragging the worker to a murky, watery grave. But the worker’s hand lived on, feeding at first on the remnants of lunches left on the shores of the rising lake, later grabbing small animals as they ventured into the waters.

The Hand grew larger and stronger, eventually able to pull unsuspecting people to a watery demise, drawing the life force from each one. Soon, The Hand was able to catch skiers as they frolicked behind speeding boats. The Hand especially favors those who enter the waters without any life preserving attire, for they are easily pulled below the surface, where their life force is quickly snatched away.

A documentary crew once traveled to the lake to research The Hand, traveling out on the waters under the light of a full moon, and using night vision equipment. But the boat was later found abandoned far up Putah Creek, snagged amongst some dead trees in that cove. The crew and their high tech equipment were never seen again. "

Bear_the_dog wrote on Sep 11, 2009 1:47 PM:

" I don't think anything in the lake is any more dangerous, but rather more people are swimming at the lake to beat the heat and because it is relatively cheap entertainment. Whenever I go to Lake Berryessa, I usually go to Oak Shores Recreational Area and swim at Acorn Beach. My routine is two trips out to the big island. I've done this countless times. I am a good swimmer and I know how to relax and float if I get tired. Unfortunately, not everyone knows what to do when they get tired. I like to swim there because I do best in open water; but alas, it is not for everyone. "

ac mom wrote on Sep 11, 2009 2:01 PM:

" my uncle drowned at this lake about 25 years ago. fortunately someone perfomed cpr on him and he was revived. this lake sounds like a dangerous place to swim. just from reading about all the deaths that occur at this lake (not just the latest 3) makes you wonder why anyone would want to swim there? i think it's haunted!! "

leavintown wrote on Sep 11, 2009 3:05 PM:

" GOD!!!!!!!!!!! Everyone stop with all the superstitions!!!! You guys need to quit watching so much T.V. "

shellman wrote on Sep 11, 2009 3:49 PM:

" Come on folks let's get a grip. The lake is neither sinister or evil. It's people making poor decisions, inexperience etc. Monsters, pa leeez!!! "

Joe wrote on Sep 11, 2009 3:51 PM:

" Too many people think they know how to swim but they don't. There is no reason a person should go under even if you get tired. All you have to do is relax and take a deep breath. The air in your body will keep you afloat. When you exhale you will sink. I could stay afloat all day even if my hands were tied up. It's all about breathing properly. Just lay on your back and take breathe. "

napagrad2009 wrote on Sep 11, 2009 4:37 PM:

" Monsters and demons and spirits, oh my! Come on people let's use a little common sense before we gather a mob and go slay the "beast". If you haven't noticed about 95% of the lake community is no longer there so supervision is poor, plus people go there with alcohol and a free spirit thinking that the swim from shore to the next island isn't that far. I know from personal experience that is a lot farther than it seems. My family, including 2 young children, go to that particular spot at least once a month in the summer and never without vests. Somehow we always seem to miss the monster. "

oldie59 wrote on Sep 11, 2009 4:49 PM:

" When I was a growing up I was told the lake was dangerous to swim in because you could get tangled up in the trees that are still underwater. I wonder if this becomes more of a hazard as the water level goes down. "

MarkMiwords wrote on Sep 11, 2009 5:25 PM:

" This is sad. Very, very sad. My condolences to the families and to the brave people who attempted to rescue and save the three victims. "

RN wrote on Sep 11, 2009 5:50 PM:

" Sad events... RIP to all 3 who lost their lives. "

sharonden wrote on Sep 11, 2009 11:21 PM:

" It is tragic that this young woman died at the lake. My condolences to the friends and families. The lake is a wonderful recreation resource - which needs all seven resorts open to accommodate the public needs - don't let Reclamation take these incidents to lock out public use. It is likely that this woman and the others did not have the resources they needed - water and/or food. "

mama bear wrote on Sep 16, 2009 8:00 PM:

" So sorry to the familys who lost there loved ones, my heart goes out to you all. People who swim at the lake wear the life vest, one never knows if it will be you who struggles out there one day. "

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