An Amazon software engineer from Austin, Texas, drowned in Lake Tahoe on Monday evening. Yadessa Emiru Aga, 32, was in Nevada to visit friends and attend a religious conference prior to his death.
Authorities with the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the North Sand Harbor boat ramp around 8 p.m. Monday following reports of a water rescue. Investigators stated that Aga had been swimming toward offshore granite boulders near dusk before disappearing beneath the surface.
Bystanders initiated a rescue effort and brought Aga to shore, where sheriff’s deputies and emergency medical personnel began resuscitation attempts. Despite these efforts, Aga was pronounced deceased at the scene. Officials are treating the incident as an apparent accidental drowning, though the investigation remains ongoing and an official cause of death has not yet been determined.
Friends and family described Aga as having a "humble spirit, contagious smile, and generous heart" in a GoFundMe campaign established to cover funeral arrangements. The campaign also noted that Aga "loved exploring God’s creation, traveling, and creating meaningful memories with those around him," adding that his faith was paramount.
The GoFundMe states that work is underway with Aga's employer to assist with costs for bringing him home and arranging funerals in both the United States and Ethiopia. The funds raised are intended to cover remaining expenses and provide a dignified final resting place.
The fatal incident occurred weeks after another person reportedly experienced distress and died near Sand Harbor in June. Medical examiner’s office reports typically take between 10 and 12 weeks to complete.