An 18-year-old California State University, Fullerton student died while visiting Lake Havasu with his fraternity brothers, according to multiple reports.
Simon T. Daniel of Pinole, California, went missing while swimming in the Copper Canyon area around 3 p.m. local time on Saturday, May 17, according to the Los Angeles Times and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. He had entered the water with three Sigma Pi fraternity members and a visiting sorority member.
“Unbeknownst to them, recent heavy rains in the Havasu Valley region had significantly increased water flow, creating hazardous conditions including strong currents, crosswind, and swells,” according to a Facebook post by Sigma Pi fraternity.
“When the group found themselves in distress, several fraternity members heroically risked their own lives to rescue all six students,” according to the article. “Unfortunately, Simon was swept away by a sudden wave, separating him from one of the rescuers. “He vanished beneath the water.”
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department worked with other agencies to find Daniel, using divers, sonar, and a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) until dark, according to ABC 7, KTLA, and CBS News.
According to the Los Angeles Times, his body was discovered at approximately 8:54 a.m. the following morning.
Later that day, over 200 students attended a candlelit vigil in his memory, and the university announced on the Sigma Pi fraternity Facebook page that those affected by Daniel’s death could seek counseling services.
“Simon was a computer science major, a proud initiated member of Sigma Pi Fraternity, and a respected leader on campus,” the fraternity said on Facebook. He was also “known for his love of music, boundless energy, and kind spirit.” He was the fraternity’s beating heart, genuine, joyful, and able to light up any room with his brilliant smile.”
They shared photos of Daniel with the Facebook post, writing, “Simon is survived by his mother and a community of loved ones and brothers who deeply mourn his loss.”
The fraternity urged everyone to be “respectful and thoughtful” when discussing the tragedy, as “we grieve this profound loss together.”
PEOPLE has contacted Sigma Pi Fraternity at Cal State Fullerton and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department for comment.