Cal Poly youth drowned in river

September 10, 2012

The body of a Cal Poly student missing since Sept. 2 following a Sacramento River float was discovered Sunday during a widespread search. (Chico Enterprise-Record)

Brett Olson, 20, was part of an alcohol-fueled, all-day event that attracted thousands of Labor Day celebrants, largely college-age young adults. Olson went missing after mingling with friends on Beer Can Beach about 4 p.m.

Since his disappearance, hundreds of searchers have scoured the area in and around the river. A fisherman spotted the body and flagged down rescue officials.

Olson’s parents were part of search operations from the beginning, and huddled together, crying, after their son’s body was brought to shore.

Officials said Olson’s death was the first that they know of connected to the holiday event, although numerous rescues are generally recorded during the day-long happening.