AUSTIN -- Few details have been released about the man found dead along the Barton Creek Greenbelt May 13.
The man was identified by authorities as Israel Olayemi, 26.
He was pulled from the water at Twin Falls Sunday morning.
Police said his death is not considered suspicious.
“I only jumped four times,” said Walter Plaza, a swimmer on Saturday at Twin Falls.
He and his family were visiting from Richmond, Texas, for Mother's Day.
“I had a feeling at the bottom go between my legs," said Plaza. "I tried to grab it.”
He said it wouldn't budge.
“It was slippery and soft. I told my wife, 'Hey,' I said, 'I think there something down there,'” said Plaza.
He said he didn't know what it was but thought an animal, perhaps. He knew it could also be a body.
When he told others nearby, Plaza said they dismissed the notion. Everyone he spoke with said they weren’t missing anyone from their groups.
“I told my wife, 'You know what, let's get out of here.' I was shaking,” said Plaza.
Plaza said he thinks the City should regulate the area.
“There's people drinking and smoking,” said Plaza.
We asked the City about regulations in a KVUE Defenders investigation two years ago.
“There's a challenge to enforcement because these places are off the beaten path and it does go against the spirit of what we're trying to create: a community of ethically using the parks,” said LeAnn Ishcomer, Austin Parks and Recreation.
Plaza doesn't know if what he felt was the body found. Austin-Travis County EMS could not confirm either. But Plaza said he wants this to be a learning lesson for everyone.
“What I would do differently if it were again would be call the police,” said Plaza.
A celebration of life has been scheduled for Olayemi on Saturday, May 26. For more information, visit the event page on Facebook here.
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