SHASTA COUNTY, Calif. - The Shasta-Trinity National Forest announced the death of one of its employees, who accidentally drowned in Whiskeytown Lake Monday.
The agency said Zanard Choice, 25, was a forest landscape architect. He died on Monday, June 10, while off duty at the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.
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Choice's death is believed to be accidental and is under investigation by the National Park Service as well as the Shasta County Sheriff's Office.
“There are no words that can express the shock and grief that came with this news, particularly given Zanard’s passion for life,” said Forest Supervisor Scott Russell. “Zanard represented the future of the agency and his contributions to his profession and to our public lands were vast. I ask you to keep his family, friends, and coworkers in your thoughts and prayers, as we come together to remember Zanard.”
Choice worked on many National Public Lands Day projects including partners Chico State, Men of Chico and the Mendocino National Forest.
He also assisted in the planning and construction of recreation and restoration projects such as the xeriscape garden at the Hayfork Ranger Station and restoration work at Antler’s Bridge construction staging site and Bowerman Barn.