Two bodies retrieved from Fallen Leaf Lake

11-15-17 update can be found here: http://southtahoenow.com/story/11/15/2017/update-recovered-bodies-fallen-leaf-lake

Bruce's Legacy, the underwater search and recovery team from Wisconsin, was at Fallen Leaf Lake recently, searching the water for a missing person. What they found was more than expected when bodies of both a man and woman were recovered.

"We believe they've been there for a considerable amount of time," Lt. Matthew Foxworthy of the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office told South Tahoe Now.

The man's body was being held at the bottom of Fallen Leaf Lake by an anchor tied by rope around him, but at this time Foxworthy said they don't know the circumstances, whether it was accidental or something else. The woman's body was not weighted down.

"We don't have all the answers," said Foxworthy.

The bodies have not been officially identified and this is a continuing investigation. EDSO detectives have been working on the case for the last few weeks since the remains were found. Autopsies are being performed to determine names, ages and toxicology which may take several more weeks.

Bruce's Legacy was at Lake Tahoe twice this summer, once to locate missing kayaker Dan Pham in August as well as UNR Football player Mark Ma who went missing after paddle boarding with teammates on June 10, 2016. The recovery team found his body on July 31, 2017.

"El Dorado County has not provided them funds, however they have conducted searches for known missing persons in the area," said Foxworthy of Bruce's Legacy.

The Wisconsin-based non-profit was created after a local firefighter, Bruce Cormican, lost his life attempting a swift water rescue in 1995. They travel the country bringing resolution and closure to families whose loved ones have died in lakes, reservoirs, rivers and other water areas.

Foxworthy said EDSO has spoken with Bruce's Legacy when they're in the area at the request of a loved one, telling them of other unsolved missing person cases.

This is a developing story and when more details are available this story will be updated.