Body Discovered In Melones Reservoir Believed To Be Missing Fisherman

Sonora, CA — Searchers from the Tuolumne County Sheriffs Department are reporting the discovery of a body in New Melones Reservoir.

Lieutenant George Ruckman of the Sheriff´s Office says the body of an adult white male was discovered by the Sheriff´s Department Boat Patrol just after 11:30 in the morning yesterday. Ruckman says an autopsy is being performed today.

Authorities believe the body is that of 59-year-old Doug Ramsey of Valley Springs who was reported missing after he failed to return from a fishing trip at the reservoir Christmas Eve.

Ruckman says the clothing on the body matches the description of what Ramsey was wearing when he was last seen.

Ramsey´s boat was found the next day beached at the reservoir´s south end. His truck and boat trailer were also discovered at the Tuttletown boat launch.

Contact Eric Nelson at Eric Nelson