Area authorities have called off the search for a man feared drowned at Brantley Lake State Park.
Sheriff Mark A. Cage reports that Eddy County Sheriff’s Office (ECSO) deputies were originally dispatched to Brantley just before 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, in reference to a possible drowning.
Upon arrival, deputies were advised that a male individual who was in the water had submerged and could not be found. A search was initiated, and divers with the New Mexico
State Police, Carlsbad Fire Department and Atoka Volunteer Fire Department were contacted to assist with the incident.
The Happy Valley Volunteer Fire Department, New Mexico State Parks and Recreation,
NMSP and Eddy County Office of Emergency Management were also on scene to assist, and the park was closed to visitors while authorities continued to search.
At 10:30 p.m. Saturday, May 16, after numerous hours of investigation, the decision was made to stop the search. At the time of the search being called off, the male individual had not been located.
Brantley Lake State Park will reopen to the public at 7 a.m. Sunday, May 17.
The incident will continue to be investigated by the ECSO Detective Division, in conjunction with the NMSP, Carlsbad Fire Department, Eddy County Office of Emergency Management,
New Mexico Game and Fish, New Mexico State Parks and Recreation, Atoka Volunteer Fire Department and Happy Valley Volunteer Fire Department.
Anyone with potential information regarding this incident is urged to contact Cpt. Matthew Hutchinson or Det. Josh Rodriguez with the ECSO at 575-887-7551.
