Andrew Robert. Photo courtesy of GoFundMe.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Authorities have released additional information about the death of a Clearlake teenager found dead in the water at Hidden Valley Lake last weekend.

Andrew Robert, 14, was found in the water near Big Beach in Hidden Valley Lake late Sunday night, as Lake County News has reported.

Lake County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Lauren Berlinn said the teen was part of a Sunday group trip organized by a youth troop that included multiple juveniles and adult troop leaders.

“The group had traveled to Hidden Valley Lake for a recreational outing, and Andrew was last seen at Big Beach, where he had gone to swim in the lake,” Berlinn said.

Berlinn said that, shortly after the group leaders discovered that Robert was missing, his backpack was found near Big Beach, containing his clothing and shoes, which led searchers to believe that he had entered the water.

The initial search efforts were conducted by sheriff’s patrol deputies, Hidden Valley Security, Cal Fire and community members. Berlinn said the search was expanded to include Lake County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue, the North Shore Dive Team and aerial drone units equipped with infrared imaging.

Despite those extensive search efforts, Berlinn said the teen was not located during the initial phases of the search.

At approximately 9:45 p.m. Sunday, the North Shore Dive Team located the boy’s body in the water near Big Beach, close to where his backpack was found.

“The decision to continue dive operations after dark was based on the location of the last known evidence, Andrew’s backpack,” Berlinn said.

In a Friday report, Berlinn said the official cause and manner of death are pending autopsy results.

“No obvious signs of foul play were observed, and there is no indication of suspicious circumstances surrounding his death. An estimated time of death has not yet been determined,” Berlinn said.

“We recognize the community’s concern and the heartfelt questions surrounding this loss,” Berlinn said. “The Lake County Sheriff’s Office extends our deepest condolences to Andrew’s family, friends, and all those affected by this tragedy. We are grateful to the many agencies and community members who assisted in the search efforts.”

Andrew Robert was a student and recent eighth grade graduate at Obsidian Middle School in Clearlake.

The day after his death, the school posted on Facebook about him, explaining that he had just celebrated his promotion to high school, “a milestone he reached with the support and admiration of those around him.”

The post continued, “Andrew was well loved by both staff and peers. His kindness, warm spirit, and unique presence left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him. He brought light to our school community and will be deeply missed. …We hold Andrew’s memory in our hearts and will continue to honor his life in the days ahead.”

In the thread, his second and fifth grade teacher, Martha Bello said of him, “He was a very special young man.”

Robert’s family has organized a candlelight vigil in his honor, to be held from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 21, at Redbud Park in Clearlake. All community members are welcome. Battery-powered candles are required.

“We will share stories and how Andrew will continue to light up our lives and world,” his family said on the event page.

The teen’s family also has started a GoFundMe account to help his father, Adam, cover the expenses of his funeral on June 27.

As of Friday, it had raised $10,830.

“Adam is a single father and Andrew has been his whole world since the day he was born,” The fundraiser narrative explains. “Andrew was always willing to help anyone. He was full of energy and a very curious boy. He had a big imagination and he was always aware of everything that was going on around him. He was never afraid to ask questions, no matter where he was or who you were, and even catch you off guard with some of the crazy questions he had. He would put a smile on anyone’s face and even make you laugh.”

Editor’s note: The teenager’s last name previously was reported by authorities as “Roberts.” The articles about this case have been updated to reflect his correct last name, which is “Robert.”

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, and on Bluesky, @erlarson.bsky.social. Find Lake County News on the following platforms: Facebook, @LakeCoNews; X, @LakeCoNews; Threads, @lakeconews, and on Bluesky, @lakeconews.bsky.social.