MEMPHIS, Tennessee – The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) has confirmed the tragic discovery of the bodies of Marlon Mendez, Jose Yanes, and Ruby Perez, who were found in the Mississippi River near Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park. The bodies were recovered on Wednesday afternoon, just south of the park’s boat ramp, following an extensive search operation.

The victims, ranging in age from 28 to 52 years old, were reportedly enjoying a day of fishing and swimming on a sandbar near the river. However, their outing ended in tragedy when they went missing late Tuesday evening. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of death, which will be determined by the medical examiner, while working to piece together the details surrounding the event.

The Tragic Incident and Search Operation

On Tuesday evening, around 7:15 p.m., a report was made that the three men had gone missing in the river after spending time on the sandbar earlier in the day. Emergency responders, including the Shelby County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue team and other local agencies, immediately began a large-scale search. Boats were deployed to search the water, and the search continued for several hours before being suspended at 10:30 p.m. due to darkness.

The following morning, the search resumed, bringing together a coordinated response from several emergency agencies. These included the Shelby County Emergency Management Agency, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Homeland Security, and several local fire departments, including the Shelby County Dive Team, Memphis Police Harbor Patrol, and Tennessee State Parks personnel.

The search efforts were extensive, but it was only on Wednesday afternoon that the bodies of the victims were discovered. The recovery of the men’s bodies has left their families and the community in shock.

The Victims: Marlon Mendez, Jose Yanes, and Ruby Perez

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office has identified the men as Marlon Mendez, Jose Yanes, and Ruby Perez. Mendez, 28, and Yanes, 52, were confirmed to be part of the group enjoying the sandbar in the Mississippi River with Ruby Perez, 31, on the day of the incident.

As the search efforts intensified, family and friends of the men were understandably devastated. However, when reporters from WREG, a local news affiliate, approached the victims’ families for comment, they declined, requesting time to wait for official updates and hoping for answers. The families, caught in a state of grief and uncertainty, have chosen not to speak publicly at this time.

Dangers of the Mississippi River

The deaths of the three men have prompted local authorities to issue a stern warning regarding the dangers of swimming in the Mississippi River. The Shelby County Fire Department took to Facebook to offer condolences to the families while also cautioning about the extreme risks posed by the river. The department specifically highlighted hazards such as submerged objects, underwater debris, and powerful eddy currents that can easily pull swimmers under the surface, even for the most experienced.

The fire department also warned about the dangers of drifting into the main channel of the river, where massive barges operate. These vessels, some of which are as large as skyscrapers, present a severe threat to anyone in the water. The powerful currents of the river can quickly become lethal, as Doug Ammons, co-owner of the Shelby Forest General Store, located near the river, stressed that the river’s dangers are often underestimated.

“It’s lethal,” Ammons said. “People think they know what to expect, but the Mississippi River is far more dangerous than most realize.”

Investigation into the Cause of Death

The exact cause of the men’s deaths remains under investigation, and officials are awaiting the results from the medical examiner to determine whether the men drowned or if other factors contributed to the incident. Authorities are also working to piece together the sequence of events that led to the men’s disappearance. While the case remains under investigation, no foul play is suspected at this point.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office is committed to uncovering the full circumstances behind the deaths, and the community waits for any new developments that might provide clarity on the tragic event.

A Community in Mourning

The loss of Marlon Mendez, Jose Yanes, and Ruby Perez has shaken the Memphis area, especially those who knew the men. As the investigation continues, residents and loved ones are reflecting on the fragility of life and the unforeseen dangers that can exist in nature. Many in the community have expressed their sadness over the tragic loss, with local authorities urging swimmers and boaters to exercise extreme caution when near the Mississippi River.

The deaths have served as a stark reminder of the perilous nature of the Mississippi River, and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone who plans to visit the area to be aware of the potential hazards that exist.

Conclusion: Remembering the Lives Lost

As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Marlon Mendez, Jose Yanes, and Ruby Perez, the community is left to mourn the loss of three lives that were tragically cut short. These men were enjoying what should have been a peaceful day in the Mississippi River but ultimately became victims of its unforgiving power.

The tragic event highlights the importance of safety when engaging in water activities and the inherent risks that accompany natural bodies of water like the Mississippi River. The families and friends of the victims are in our thoughts as they navigate this unimaginable loss, and the community holds its breath as more information is gathered and the investigation unfolds.

Anyone with information relevant to the incident is urged to contact the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office as the investigation continues. The families of the victims, who remain in shock, are hoping for answers that may one day bring closure to this heartbreaking chapter.