The Madera County Sheriff's Office said Everardo Apantipan died at the hospital after being pulled from the water Saturday afternoon, despite emergency response efforts to save him.
"We saw a helicopter fly in. We saw about 10 cop cars, fire trucks, ambulances coming in. There were guys doing CPR compressions," said Aarush Arya, who says he witnessed the drowning.
Arya says there were around 100 people on the scene. He says he learned that at first, people thought Apantipan was relaxing while floating on the water, until they eventually realized he was unconscious.
Authorities say the 25-year-old was taken to the hospital after emergency crews pulled him from the water and attempted to resuscitate him.
Despite their efforts, the Madera County Sheriff's Office said he later died at the hospital.
RELATED: 25-year-old man dies following drowning at Millerton Lake, deputies say
Arya said the drowning is tragic - he says, especially for someone so young.
"The guy probably still had a lot of life, probably a nice guy," said Arya.
Peace officers who patrol Millerton Lake are now asking people to be extra vigilant -- especially as they expect more boaters, and swimmers as the weather warms up, and as several holiday weekends approach.
"It's really important to know your own abilities, and swim near a lifeguard," said Sergeant Ian Farrell, a State Park Peace Officer supervisor. "Also, make sure you have a sober driver when on the boat. Just like in a car, you can get a DUI, and it is incredibly unsafe to be boating under the influence of alcohol."
This is the first drowning at Millerton Lake this year.
Just over a year ago, there was a double fatal drowning after two men wound up in the water while out on a boat.
Farrell says there have been eight drowning incidents at the lake since 2021.