Swimming Accident at Grant Lake

To:      All Media Partners

From:  Jennifer M. Hansen, Public Information Officer

Date:  September 12, 2014

RE:     Swimming Accident at Grant Lake

On the afternoon of Thursday, September 11, 2014, at approximately 3:45pm, Mono County Sheriff’s Dispatch received an emergency call from OnStar regarding a possible swimming accident and drowning at Grant Lake.

Two friends, both from Mammoth Lakes, were spending the afternoon along the shores of Grant Lake. The friends decided to swim across the narrow part of the lake. During their swim, friend one turned his head around to ensure friend two was swimming with him. He was swimming with no problems so they continued with their swim across the narrows. Friend one continued to swim to the shore and noticed that his friend was no longer visible in the water. He returned to the water, yelling for help, to search for his friend. When he couldn’t find his friend, he ran to the marina to get help. OnStar was utilized to call 911 and personnel from the Mono County Sheriff’s Office, June Lake Fire Department, Mono County Paramedics, and Grant Lake marina were dispatched to locate the missing swimmer.

Personnel arrived on scene and began searching for the missing swimmer. Nicklous Slaminski, age 27, of Mammoth Lakes, was located, unresponsive, near the south end of the boat ramp. Mr. Slaminski was removed from the water and medically assessed by paramedics. Mr. Slaminski was pulseless and determined deceased at the scene.

The cause of death for Mr. Slaminski is currently under investigation by the Mono County Sheriff’s Office pending autopsy results.

Written and prepared by Jennifer M. Hansen, Public Information Officer