Oakland

Man, Woman Pronounced Dead After Being Pulled From Oakland's Lake Merritt

A man and a woman pulled from Lake Merritt in Oakland Thursday morning have been pronounced dead, according to police.

The Alameda Coroner's Office has identified the deceased as Michael Grace, 39, and Tayana Johnson, 24. Both were residents of Oakland. Their families said the two were in a dating relationship. 

A citizen who called authorities around 4:15 a.m. reported seeing the couple in the water and hearing a woman's voice, police and fire officials said. 

An arriving police officer plucked Grace from the water, Oakland Fire Department Battalion Chief Zoraida Diaz said. Grace was rushed to the hospital, but he was later pronounced dead, according to police.

Another officer went into the water in search of the second possible person, but the officer was unable to find anyone, Diaz said.

Based on the citizen's report, emergency crews continued to comb the lake looking for a second possible person, according to Diaz.

Crews were later seen pulling Johnson from the water. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

An investigation is ongoing.

Further information was not available.

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