Farmington, NM – Farmington police were dispatched to Lake Farmington last night around 6:00 due to a possible drowning. Police learned that three adults (two males both ages 31 and a female age 33) and two children, ages 2 and 8, arrived at the west side of the lake and saw a raft floating in the water. One of the men swam out in the lake in an attempt to retrieve it. The man began to struggle and went under the water. The second male saw him struggling and swam out to assist him while the woman called 911 for help. The second male also began to struggle but was able to make it back to shore.
Rescue efforts were attempted by New Mexico State Police, Farmington Police Department, Farmington Fire Department and the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office. The Air Care 1 helicopter and the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office helicopter were deployed at separate times to conduct air searches.
At approximately 1:00 p.m. today, searchers located the body of 31-year-old Jaime Tolbert. Chief Hebbe extended FPD’s condolences to the family, “Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Tolbert’s family and friends during this very difficult time.”
A portion of the lake was closed while the search was being conducted. The City of Farmington has reopened the lake for watercraft and non-motorized boating.