Austin Police ID Victim Of Drowning Near Twin Falls

SOUTH AUSTIN, TX — Police on Friday identified the drowning victim whose submerged body was discovered by a park visitor near Twin Falls along the Barton Creek greenbelt last Sunday.

Police identified the victim as Israel Olayemi. He was 26 years old. Police did not disclose where Olayemi lived prior to his death, so it is unknown if he was an Austin resident or a visitor from outside the city.

In a brief press advisory, police said the death is not considered suspicious. The inference being that the man tragically drowned the day before his body was found.

Olayemi's body was pulled from from the water in the Barton Creek greenbelt near Twin Falls in South Austin Sunday afternoon, officials said. The body reportedly was discovered by a visitor who was snorkeling at the site before police were called to the scene. The main trailhead to the greenbelt was closed for some time to accommodate recovery efforts before being reopened.

In a tweet, Austin police said recovery efforts were frustrated due to rough terrain. Officials noted then, too, that the death does not appear to be suspicious, furthering the theory the deceased died from drowning.
The site of grim discovery is near MoPac Boulevard and Loop 360 in the southwest portion of the city. The popular recreation area was crowded as usual on a weekend, but more so given the Mother's Day observance.

Word of Olayemi's fate spread quickly on social media among his friends and fellow students. A celebration of his life is scheduled on Saturday, May 26. "We lost a beautiful soul," one friend wrote on Facebook. "A dear friend, a great student. May your journey to heaven be a wonderful one."

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