By Melody Ann Feist
A South Jordan man could have survived the waves of Utah Lake had he been wearing a life jacket, state and county officials said Monday, May 13.
Officials found the body of Antonio Ornelas, 31, on the westbank of the lake Wednesday afternoon after a four-day search. Ornelas drowned after his boat capsized in turbulent waters Sunday night.
Sgt. Eldon Packer, a spokesman for the Utah County Search and Rescue Team, said pilot Detective Dave Sheen spotted the body from the air at about 4:30 p.m.
'The sheriff''s department owns a number of airplanes, and he was up with a crew member when he sighted the body on the shore of the lake,' Packer said.
Packer said the death was accidental.
'They were just out there during rough weather, and something bad happened,' he said.
Family members told officials Ornelas was fishing Sunday night with his brother, Francisco, 31, and a cousin, Rojelio Ortiz, 30, when 2-foot waves swamped the boat and over-turned it. Francisco Ornelas and Ortiz swam to shore, but no one saw Antonio Ornelas until his body washed ashore Wednesday, May 8.
Ranger Jim Williams, assistant park manager at Utah Lake Park, said life jackets would have been a positive factor in this situation.
'It''s a matter of life and death,' Williams said. 'If they had been wearing life jackets, this could have ended a lot happier.'
Williams said in the 18 years he has been a park ranger, park management has never lost a victim who has been wearing a life jacket.
'We urge safety among all boaters,' Williams said. 'I hope this shows people that you are never to old to wear a life jacket.'
Sgt. Dennis Harris, a spokesman for the Utah County Sheriff''s Department said, 'I really believe that most accidents that occur on Utah Lake are preventable. All it takes is proper equipment and preparation.'
Harris said the boat and the engine were in poor operating condition, and the men were using a homemade oar and a rock for an anchor. Also, none of the men were wearing life jackets.
'With all of these factors, it was a catastrophe waiting to happen,' Harris said.
'At the same time, my heart goes out to this family,' he said.
Harris spoke of the tragedy of Ornelas'' wife and little boy who are now without a husband and father.
'It was a costly mistake,' he said. 'I think everyone should look at this as a sign. If you are out boating and there are not enough life jackets, maybe it''s time to think about not going out on the lake,' Harris said.
'It is not always the popular thing to do, but it''s the safe thing to do. It is better to be safe than to be dead.'