Body Of Missing Fisherman Found In Delta-Mendota Canal

LIVERMORE, CA — The body of a missing Tracy man who is believed to have drowned while fishing in the Delta-Mendota Canal near Livermore was found Friday morning, authorities said. An Alameda County Sheriff's Office spokesman said the 71-year-old went missing Monday and was found Friday about 15 miles downstream in San Joaquin County.

"There will have to be an autopsy to determine if he passed away before he went into the water, perhaps from a medical issue, or if he drowned," Sgt. Ray Kelly said.

Family members identified the man as Isaias Montanez. Montanez, who was retired, fished at the canal from about 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. every day and his family became concerned when he didn't return by 10 p.m. Monday, Kelly said. Kelly said the man's sons began to search for him at about 3 a.m. Tuesday and sheriff's deputies joined the search.

Deputies used a drone, a helicopter, dogs, motorcycles and a foot search to look for Montanez. His sons found his car, which contained his tackle box and personal items, in a parking lot near the canal Tuesday morning.

There was evidence that he slipped down a slope into the canal, and his hat was found three miles downstream, Kelly said. The water in the canal is about 18 feet deep, according to Kelly.

Born in Mexico, Montanez moved to Milpitas when he was young. He grew up in the South Bay before moving to Tracy about 20 years ago, according to family members. He worked for the Western Pacific railroad for more than two decades.

Brian Green, Montanez' brother-in-law, described Montanez as quiet and kind.

"Family was everything to him," Green told Patch.

Montanez loved fishing and visiting the local flea market. He was married to his wife for 46 years and had three children, five grandchildren and a son-in-law.

Bay City News contributed to this report.

Photo of Isaias Montanez courtesy Brian Green