Authorities reported on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, that three men who went missing while fishing and swimming on a sandbar in the Mississippi River near Memphis, Tennessee, have been found deceased. The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, along with other agencies in the Memphis area, undertook a comprehensive search and rescue mission after the men were reported missing on the evening of Tuesday, July 22.
Search and rescue operations began Tuesday evening when the men were reported missing near a boat ramp at Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park. The extensive search involved aircraft, rescue boats, and sonar technology to find the missing individuals.
The search was halted Tuesday night due to darkness but resumed Wednesday morning. The first two bodies were discovered around 11 a.m. Wednesday, and the third body was located at approximately 12:45 p.m., according to the sheriff’s office.
The men were identified as Marlon Mendez, 28, Rudy Perez, 31, and Jose Yanes, 52.
Officials have noted that the vicinity of the state park has grown increasingly popular for recreational activities; however, the Mississippi River poses numerous threats to swimmers and boaters. Authorities warned that strong currents, submerged objects, branches, and debris in the river present significant risks.
The fire department highlighted the perilous conditions of the river, stating that eddy currents can submerge even Olympic-level swimmers. They described instances where individuals can be drawn into channels and encounter barges as large as skyscrapers, with crews unaware of their presence in the water.
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park is located in Shelby Forest, north of Memphis, Tennessee, adjacent to the Mississippi River. The park’s closeness to the river makes it a favored spot for fishing and recreational pursuits, though authorities continue to emphasize the intrinsic dangers of the waterway.
Numerous agencies took part in the search and recovery efforts, showing a coordinated response to locate the missing men. The operation involved both aerial and aquatic search strategies, using specialized equipment to cover the extensive search area around the state park.
The cause of death for the three men will be determined by the medical examiner, authorities stated. The investigation into the events surrounding their disappearance and deaths is ongoing as officials try to reconstruct the sequence of events that led to this outcome.
The incident occurred during the summer months, a time when river recreation activities generally increase, attracting more visitors to waterfront locations and state parks along the Mississippi River. The timing aligns with the peak season for fishing and swimming activities in the area.
The recovery of the three bodies concludes the immediate search operation, though the investigation phase continues. Emergency response teams successfully located and retrieved the men within 24 hours of resuming the search on Wednesday morning.
This incident adds to ongoing concerns about water safety along the Mississippi River, particularly in areas where recreational activities meet the river’s strong current systems. Authorities consistently issue cautions about the dangers posed by the river’s unpredictable conditions and concealed hazards.
The men’s families and the larger Memphis community await additional information as the investigation progresses and medical examiner results are released. The coordinated response effort involved multiple agencies working together to bring the search operation to a conclusion.
