Authorities have identified the three men who tragically lost their lives in the Mississippi River near Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park. The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) confirmed the victims as 28-year-old Marlon Mendez, 31-year-old Ruby Perez, and 52-year-old Jose Yanes. Their bodies were recovered on Wednesday afternoon, just south of the park’s boat ramp.
According to officials, the exact cause of death will be determined by the Shelby County Medical Examiner, and the case remains under active investigation as authorities work to understand what led to this devastating event.
Deputies reported that the three men were enjoying time on a sandbar near the riverbank on Tuesday, having spent the day fishing and swimming. At around 7:15 p.m., a missing persons report was filed, triggering a widespread search operation across the river and surrounding areas.
Within 45 minutes of the call, search boats were deployed, but the operation was suspended at nightfall around 10:30 p.m. due to visibility issues. Efforts resumed the next morning with expanded support from numerous agencies.
The extensive search involved a coordinated effort from multiple departments including the Shelby County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Unit, Shelby County Emergency Management Agency, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Homeland Security, Shelby County Dive Team, fire departments from Shelby County, Millington, and Tipton County, as well as the Memphis Police Harbor Patrol and Aviation Unit, and Tennessee State Parks personnel.
In the wake of the tragedy, the Shelby County Fire Department issued a public warning, highlighting the severe risks of swimming in the Mississippi River. In a heartfelt Facebook post, the department extended condolences to the victims’ families while cautioning the public about dangers such as hidden underwater debris, strong currents, and submerged objects that can swiftly endanger even experienced swimmers.
“The Mississippi River holds many hidden dangers,” the department emphasized. “Eddy currents, swift flow, and the threat of massive barges—each the size of a skyscraper on its side—make this river extremely dangerous.”
Doug Ammons, co-owner of the nearby Shelby Forest General Store, echoed these warnings, describing the river as “lethal” and far more hazardous than many realize.
Though friends and family of the victims have not spoken publicly, their grief is felt deeply across the community. Many continue to wait for answers as investigators piece together the sequence of events.
As the community mourns the loss of Marlon Mendez, Ruby Perez, and Jose Yanes, their tragic passing serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictable and often perilous nature of the Mississippi River. Authorities urge the public to remain cautious and aware while near or on the water.