High Wind at Mono Lake Claims Life of Chino Man

Written by Benett Kessler

Thursday, 04 September 2008

Extreme wind conditions apparently trumped years of kayak experience for a Chino, CA man. The Mono Sheriff's Office reported that 57 year old William Mendoza, a middle school teacher, drowned during an annual solo kayak trip to Paoha Island on Mono Lake. Officers said that Mr. Mendoza has kayaked Mono Lake for 17 years running. They called him a very experienced outdoorsman. At the end of August, Mendoza left for his trip. During that time, extreme wind conditions of up to 80 mph hit the Mono Lake area, which created serious water conditions. Mendoza's plan was to canoe from Navy Beach to Paoha Island. Park personnel found that Mendoza had not checked in. They contacted the man's wife who confirmed her husband had not returned home. Park personnel and Mono County Sheriff's officers started a search. They found Mendoza's kayak on the east shore of Paoha Island. His body was found south of the kayak on the same shore line. An investigation and autopsy revealed the cause of death as accidental drowning. Comments (6) Subscribe to this comment's feed Chris Patton said:   Mr. Mendoza was a teacher of mine many years ago and someone that taught me a lot in life. I met him over 20 years ago in his classroom and when I found out that he loved Mono Lake and that was a place that I knew of since I was a child we became great friends. I looked at Mr Mendoza as a friend, mentor as well as someone that you could go and talk with about anything in life..... The Chino Unified School District has lost one great man and teacher who has touched so many lives that each and every student of his was touched by one incredible man in this world... September 06, 2008 Lisa Uribe said:   I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Mendoza a few years ago when I started dating my boy friend. I saw a great man with alot to live for and a great teacher and friend to any and all. Mr. Mendoza has touched so many lives and even with the few brief times that I met him I am truly blessed to of known him. He will be missed.We will keep his family in our prayers. September 06, 2008 Kevin Hopkins said:   As a member/supporter of the Mono Lake Committee, Bill participated in every ride from LADWP to Lee Vining to "rehydrate" the lake. Even after the success of stopping DWP from starving the lake, Bill continued his annual trips by car and Kayak every year. A tremendous loss for his family, friends and groups he supported in many ways. Thank God he went doing what he loved... We Love you Bill... September 08, 2008 James Bauchert said:   I knew Bill for years ... he also was a very proficient trumpet player. He will be missed by all who knew him. September 09, 2008 Michael and Tina Crawford said:   Such sweet memories of our younger selves. So proud to have know you, Bill. We hold your family in our hearts and prayers. September 10, 2008 joey sailors said:   Bill was the best man in this world. Bill is not just another death he was a good man with no negetive in his life. He will be missed for manny years to come He made me a better person in this lfe. And I will never forget Him I love you Bill rest in peace. September 15, 2008 Write comment Show/Hide comment form Name Email Comment Write the displayed characters Add Comment