The Clearlake community is grappling with an immense and tragic loss after 14-year-old Andrew Roberts was found dead on Sunday night, just hours after being reported missing from Hidden Valley Lake’s Big Beach area. Andrew’s disappearance, which unfolded on a seemingly ordinary afternoon, quickly escalated into a widespread and emotional search that lasted for hours, with numerous agencies and community members working tirelessly in hopes of finding the young teen. Sadly, the search came to a heartbreaking end around 10:40 p.m. when the North Shore Dive Team discovered Andrew’s body.
The sequence of events began earlier in the day when Andrew was last seen around 4:15 p.m. He had been with a group of people at Hidden Valley Lake when he informed others that he was heading to the pool. When he didn’t return after some time, his friends grew concerned. By 6:00 p.m., the situation had grown more urgent, and Andrew was reported missing. It was at that point that the Lake County Sheriff’s Office launched an immediate search effort, and the community began to mobilize in full force.
The search effort involved a number of agencies, including the Lake County Search & Rescue Team, K9 Sadie, and support from several local and state organizations. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office worked in collaboration with multiple teams, including KCORP, Cal Fire, the North Shore Dive Team, South Lake Fire, and Hidden Valley Security. The search was extensive, with both land and water-based efforts, which continued throughout the evening as the hours passed by. As the sun set and the situation grew more dire, community members and first responders continued to comb the area, searching for any trace of Andrew, hoping to bring him home safe.
Despite the intense efforts and the coordinated response from numerous agencies, the discovery of Andrew’s body came late in the evening, when the North Shore Dive Team found him around 10:40 p.m. The exact location of the discovery was not disclosed by authorities, but the tragic news of his passing sent shockwaves throughout the community, which had been holding out hope for a much different outcome. Andrew’s family, friends, and loved ones, who had been anxiously awaiting news, were left devastated by the results of the search.
In a statement, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office expressed its deepest condolences to Andrew’s family, friends, and the entire community during this unimaginable time. “The Lake County Sheriff’s Office extends our heartfelt condolences to Andrew’s family, friends, and the entire community during this difficult time,” the office said in its report. They also expressed profound gratitude to the numerous agencies and community members who had contributed to the search efforts, acknowledging the outpouring of support that had helped mobilize resources to find Andrew. The sheriff’s office commended the dedication and commitment shown by all those involved, including the tireless volunteers and responders who worked into the night to bring closure to the search.
Andrew’s tragic passing has left the community in deep mourning, and the loss of such a young life has shaken residents and community members alike. As news of his death spread, tributes began pouring in from every corner of Clearlake, as well as from nearby communities. Friends, teachers, and neighbors have all expressed their grief, recalling Andrew as a kind, energetic, and promising young individual. Those who knew Andrew best remember him as someone with a bright future ahead of him, full of potential, curiosity, and enthusiasm. His presence in the community, though short-lived, had made a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
A tight-knit community like Clearlake, where families often know each other well, has been particularly affected by the loss of such a young life. For many, Andrew was more than just a student or a neighbor — he was a child of the community, someone they saw growing up, and a young person whose future had held so much promise. The loss of Andrew has created a ripple effect, leaving family members, friends, and classmates struggling to come to terms with the untimely death. As the mourning process begins, the town has united in grief and remembrance, supporting one another through this trying time.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office took a moment to thank the public for their continued support and concern during the search operation. The sense of unity and compassion exhibited by the community during this tragedy has been noted by local authorities, who have expressed their gratitude for the solidarity shown by residents. The sheriff’s office thanked all those who kept an eye out for Andrew, shared information, and offered support to the search efforts. It’s clear that the loss has deeply affected not only those closest to Andrew but the entire community, and as they continue to process the events of the day, they are finding comfort in knowing they were all there for one another during this challenging time.
As the investigation continues into the circumstances surrounding the accident, authorities have yet to release further details. The sheriff’s office has confirmed, however, that the focus remains on understanding what led to Andrew’s tragic accident, and how such a devastating outcome unfolded. While the accident remains under investigation, what remains certain is the deep love and support that Andrew’s family has for one another, and the strength they continue to find despite this unspeakable loss.
The coming days will no doubt be difficult for Andrew’s family and close friends as they prepare to honor his memory. Plans for a memorial or celebration of Andrew’s life have not yet been disclosed, but it is clear that the entire community will gather to remember him and share their stories, the joy he brought into their lives, and the positive impact he had during his 14 years. While the sorrow is overwhelming, there will be an ongoing effort to celebrate the young life lost too soon and to ensure that his memory endures within the hearts of those who loved him.
The death of Andrew Roberts serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and how quickly things can change. It’s a reminder to hold our loved ones close, cherish every moment, and remain compassionate toward one another. As Clearlake and Hidden Valley Lake mourn the passing of this promising young man, his spirit will live on in the memories of his family, friends, and all who were touched by his kindness and bright spirit.
Rest in peace, Andrew Roberts. You will be forever loved, and your memory will continue to inspire all who knew you.
