Authorities in California say they believe the body of 15-year-old Nicholas Magana-Zamora has been found, days after the teen went missing from his home in Watsonville.
Magana-Zamora was last seen around 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 23, according to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office. A wide search effort was launched the next day.
On the morning of Sunday, July 27, a body was located in College Lake, about a mile northeast of Watsonville. While formal identification is still pending, investigators say there’s strong evidence suggesting the body belongs to Magana-Zamora, Sgt. Jacob Pruger told KION.
No signs of foul play have been discovered, authorities said.
The teen was last seen wearing a gray shirt, green jacket, and jeans while riding a multi-colored mountain bike. His bike, phone, and shoes were later found along the shore of College Lake, along with footprints that appeared to lead in and out of the water, according to KSBW.
“This is very tragic news,” wrote Monterey County Supervisor Luis A. Alejo on Facebook. “My deepest condolences to the family of Nicholas Magana-Zamora. May he rest in peace and may God give his family strength.”
The investigation remains ongoing, but officials have reiterated there is no indication of criminal involvement.
Magana-Zamora was a student in the area, and school officials also shared their condolences. “Our hearts go out to Nicholas’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time,” one official said. “We are deeply saddened by this loss.”
