Two dead after reported drowning in Lake Merritt

Two people died in an apparent drowning in Oakland’s Lake Merritt this morning, police said.

Police officers and fire crews responded around 4:15 a.m. to the area of the lake near Lakeshore Boulevard and Hanover Avenue after a witness reported that two people appeared to be drowning in the water.

The first responders went into the lake to try to rescue the victims. A male victim was found and taken to a hospital, but died there, according to police.

Police said at about 7:30 a.m. that the second victim has also been found at the scene and pronounced dead.

The case remains under investigation and anyone with information is encouraged to call the Oakland police homicide division at (510) 238-3821.