Man dies trying to recover fishing lure at Lake Mead, officials say

By Cristina Chang

Sunday, Sept. 2, 2012 | 6:18 p.m.

A 49-year-old man died after trying to recover his fishing lure at Lake Mead National Recreation Area, according to a Lake Mead news release issued Sunday.

National Park Service rangers responded about 3:15 a.m. to a report of a man who had gone missing at the Temple Bar Marina, officials said.

The Mohave County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim as North Las Vegas resident Roderick Rayford.

Rayford had been fishing from shore when his fishing lure snagged on vegetation, officials said. After several attempts to release it, Rayford dove into the water to free it. Witnesses reported hearing calls for help and splashing, then silence.

Rangers identified the point Rayford last was seen but postponed further search efforts until daylight. In the morning, rangers, with assistance from concession employees at Temple Bar, located and recovered Rayford’s body, which was submerged in 6 feet of water near the shore.

“That’s why we recommended wearing a life jacket because you never know,” said Lake Mead National Recreation Area spokesman Kevin Turner.

Rayford was not wearing a personal flotation device.

Park rangers are investigating the cause of the presumed drowning.