Deputies recovered the body of a 20-year-old man several hours after he disappeared while floating on an inflatable tube.
LAKE PLEASANT, Ariz. — A 20-year-old swimmer who disappeared Monday evening at Lake Pleasant was found dead after an overnight search by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, ending a large emergency response that drew deputies, aviation resources and specialized search equipment to the popular recreation area.
Authorities identified the man as Isamai Hein. Deputies began searching after receiving reports that he had been floating in the water but had not been seen for about 10 minutes. The recovery came hours later in the same area where witnesses last reported seeing him. Investigators are continuing to review the circumstances surrounding the incident as officials work to determine exactly what happened before Hein disappeared beneath the water.
The emergency response began shortly after 6:30 p.m. Monday when sheriff’s deputies were notified that a man had gone missing in the lake. Witnesses told investigators that Hein had been floating on an inflatable tube before he disappeared. According to deputies, the tube later washed onto the shoreline without him. Witnesses also reported that Hein was not wearing a life vest. As daylight faded, search crews expanded their efforts across the area where he was last seen. Helicopters circled overhead while deputies searched from the shoreline and near boat-launch areas. The response continued through the night as crews worked to locate any sign of the missing swimmer. The incident quickly drew attention from other visitors at the lake, many of whom watched as emergency personnel concentrated their efforts on a relatively small section of water.
Investigators said Hein was last observed floating in the water before witnesses realized he was no longer visible. The report prompted an immediate response from the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, which oversees law enforcement operations at Lake Pleasant. Authorities have not released details indicating whether weather conditions, water conditions or any medical emergency played a role in the disappearance. Officials also have not publicly described how long Hein had been in the water before he vanished from view. During the overnight operation, deputies used multiple search methods while focusing on the location where witnesses last saw him. By about 2:30 a.m. Tuesday, authorities located his body in the vicinity of the disappearance. In a later update, the sheriff’s office said specialized equipment, including a remotely operated vehicle, assisted in locating him. No evidence of foul play has been announced, and investigators have not indicated that any criminal activity is suspected.
Lake Pleasant is one of Arizona’s busiest outdoor recreation destinations, drawing boaters, swimmers, anglers and campers throughout the year. The reservoir, located northwest of Phoenix, becomes especially crowded during the warmer months as temperatures climb across the Valley. Water-related emergencies occasionally occur at Arizona lakes as visitors contend with deep water, changing conditions and heavy recreational traffic. Incidents involving swimmers can be particularly difficult for rescue teams because visibility beneath the water is often limited and search areas can expand quickly depending on conditions. Public safety agencies routinely deploy marine units, aircraft and specialized recovery tools when people are reported missing in large bodies of water. In this case, authorities concentrated on the area where witnesses said Hein was last seen, narrowing the search despite the challenges presented by nighttime operations.
The investigation remains active as deputies continue documenting the circumstances surrounding the death. Standard procedures typically include reviewing witness statements, examining the timeline of events and coordinating with medical authorities responsible for determining an official cause and manner of death. Authorities have not announced when those findings may be available. Officials also have not released additional information about Hein beyond his name and age. Any final determination regarding the events leading to his death is expected to come through the investigative and medical review process. Law enforcement agencies often wait for those findings before closing a case involving an accidental drowning or other water-related fatality. For now, sheriff’s officials have confirmed only that Hein disappeared while floating in the lake and was later recovered in the same general area where search efforts had been focused.
The overnight operation brought together deputies, aviation resources and technical search personnel working through the early morning hours. Arizona’s Family’s news helicopter captured images of sheriff’s aircraft circling above the lake while crews searched near a boat ramp during the initial response. Visitors and witnesses remained nearby as emergency personnel continued their work. The recovery brought a somber conclusion to a search that had begun only hours earlier. Although many questions remain unanswered, the known timeline shows a rapid transition from a missing-person report to a full-scale water search and ultimately a recovery effort. Authorities have emphasized the facts established so far while withholding speculation about what caused Hein to disappear from the water.
The case remains under investigation. Officials have confirmed the recovery of Isamai Hein’s body and are awaiting additional findings as the review continues. Future updates are expected if investigators release more information or if medical authorities determine the official cause of death.
Author note: Last updated June 22, 2026.