A tragic turn of events unfolded near Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park as search teams recovered the bodies of three missing men from the Mississippi River on July 23. The victims—identified as Marlon Mendez (28), Rudy Perez (31), and Jose Yanes (52)—had vanished the previous evening while fishing and swimming near a sand bar south of the Shelby Forest boat ramp. Despite swift efforts by local, state, and federal agencies, the day ended in heartbreak, casting a haunting silence over the river’s restless waters.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• Three men went missing July 22 while fishing and swimming near a sand bar in the Mississippi River at Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park.

• Victims identified as Marlon Mendez (28), Rudy Perez (31), and Jose Yanes (52).

• Search and rescue efforts involved the U.S. Coast Guard, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, and Shelby County officials.

• Bodies recovered on July 23: two at 11:00 a.m., the third at 12:45 p.m.

• Cause of death pending medical examiner’s report; investigation remains ongoing.

The calm waters of the Mississippi River turned grim this week as a multi-agency search concluded with the recovery of three bodies following a distress call from Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, just north of Memphis. What began as a seemingly ordinary day of recreation ended in tragedy, as three men never returned from a fishing and swimming trip near the river’s sand bars.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office confirmed on July 23 that the bodies of Marlon Mendez, 28, Rudy Perez, 31, and Jose Yanes, 52 were recovered from the Mississippi River, following an extensive search that began the previous evening.

According to officials, patrol deputies were notified just after 7 p.m. on July 22 that the three men were missing in the river, last seen near the Shelby Forest boat ramp. Authorities stated the men had ventured out to a sand bar located south of the ramp, a popular area for both fishing and swimming, but dangerous nonetheless due to unpredictable currents and shifting terrain.

“Deputies received a call regarding three adult males last seen in the water,” the sheriff’s office noted in a statement shared on social media. “All three were reported missing, and rescue operations were immediately coordinated.”

The response to the emergency call triggered a joint search-and-rescue effort involving local, state, and federal agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. The operation continued until late into the night before being temporarily suspended around 10:30 p.m. due to fading light and hazardous conditions.

However, teams resumed the search early on July 23 with renewed urgency. By midmorning, the operation reached a sorrowful conclusion. Two of the bodies were located and recovered around 11:00 a.m., and shortly after, the third was found at approximately 12:45 p.m.

As families mourned and investigators continued their work, authorities stressed that the official cause of death would be determined by the medical examiner. No further details have yet been released regarding the circumstances that led to the drownings.

“Our thoughts are with the families as they endure this unimaginable loss,” the sheriff’s office added. “We are working closely with all involved agencies to ensure all facts are gathered.”

The incident has cast a shadow over the usually serene Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, reminding many of the unpredictable and sometimes dangerous nature of the river.

The investigation remains active.

The recovery of the three bodies from the Mississippi River brings a tragic closure to an intense search near Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park. As investigators work to determine the exact cause of death, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers beneath seemingly calm waters. While the community mourns the loss, officials urge greater awareness and caution around natural water bodies, especially during recreational outings. The river, ever watchful and unforgiving, has once again echoed a somber tale that leaves behind silence, sorrow, and unanswered questions.

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