A Fresno City College student is dead after an attempt to cross the San Joaquin River turned fatal. The body of Nick Gilbert, a military science student at the college, was discovered on
Thursday.

Gilbert’s body had been missing since he was swept under the current on Sunday at approximately 5:30 pm. Gilbert was reportedly trying to make his way to a small island in the middle of the river, when he was swept underwater. Friends of Gilbert say he wasn’t a strong swimmer but followed his friends out into the river behind Santa Fe and Bluff Avenue.

20-year-old Gilbert was with friends and family members at the time on the incident; Gilbert was reportedly went into the water under a nearby trestle in attempt to
swim to an island and never resurfaced.

Dive teams from American Ambulance and Fresno Fire Department searched diligently for over four days, while helicopters searched for signs of the swimmer from overhead.

Officials warn the river is cold and swift moving due to the recent snow melt, therefore making it dangerous for even advanced swimmers.

Friends and family of Gilbert held a car wash benefit on Sunday, April 29, at Griffin’s Gas Station on Willow Avenue.

Details on a memorial service for Gilbert have yet to be announced