Two Men Tragically Drown in Colorado River Near Topock Gorge; Authorities Investigating
Topock Gorge, AZ – August 3, 2025 — A summer outing turned into a heartbreaking tragedy Sunday afternoon as two men drowned in the Colorado River near Topock Gorge. The incident has left families grieving and authorities investigating the devastating chain of events that unfolded at approximately 2:15 PM.
Deputies with the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Division of Boating Safety responded swiftly after receiving an emergency call regarding a possible drowning in progress. According to the initial report, a boater flagged down another vessel to alert them that two men had gone underwater near a beach area along the river and had not resurfaced.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department (SBCSD) was the first agency to arrive on scene. Without delay, SBCSD deployed a diver into the water in hopes of locating the victims. MCSO Deputies arrived shortly after, while the SBCSD diver was still conducting underwater search operations.
The first victim was found and retrieved from approximately 12 feet of water. Deputies from both agencies immediately initiated life-saving measures and transported the man to the SBCSD Water Safety Center. The diver returned to the water and was able to locate and recover the second victim. He, too, was transported to the safety center, where deputies and first responders continued their efforts to resuscitate him.
Despite the exhaustive efforts by all involved, both victims were ultimately pronounced deceased after being transported to the Colorado River Medical Center in Needles, California.
The two men have been identified as:
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Anoop Gankidi, 32, of Tempe, Arizona
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Venkata Mukkaala, 32, of Milpitas, California
According to further investigation, the two victims were part of a group of five who had rented a pontoon boat for a recreational outing along the river. The group had parked the boat on a beach to take a break and cool off. All five occupants entered the water, but three individuals suddenly began struggling after slipping into a deeper area. While one of the individuals was able to return to shallow waters, Gankidi and Mukkaala went under and did not resurface.
The two victims are believed to have been submerged for approximately 20 minutes before being located. Water conditions, including currents or sudden depth changes, may have played a role in the incident, though officials emphasize that impairment is not suspected.
This tragic event underscores the importance of safety while engaging in water-based recreation. Even in relatively calm areas like the Topock Gorge, sudden drop-offs and undercurrents can pose significant danger, particularly to individuals who may be less experienced swimmers or unfamiliar with the river’s geography.
Authorities with MCSO and SBCSD have praised the swift coordination and response from all involved, though they acknowledge that the outcome was heartbreaking.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to gather details to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.
Family and friends of both victims are mourning the sudden and tragic loss of two young men whose lives ended far too soon. Community members in both Tempe, Arizona and Milpitas, California have begun expressing condolences and organizing memorial efforts in their honor.
As summer continues and water recreation remains popular, authorities urge the public to wear life jackets, stay vigilant, and avoid underestimating the risks posed by natural bodies of water, even on calm and sunny days.
