The search for a swimmer who went missing in Lake Austin concluded in a disheartening discovery, as authorities recovered the body near Emma Long Metro Park. Austin Police Department officers had initially been called to the scene on Sunday at approximately 6:57 p.m. to 1600 City Park Road following reports of a potential drowning, a situation described by CBS Austin.
The lost swimmer, identified as Angel Savarin, faced the lake's depths when the tragedy struck. Witnesses relayed how Savarin was swimming before submerging and vanishing from sight. The ensuing search involved multiple agencies, with the Austin Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services commencing the rescue efforts, according to a report from CBS Austin. Diving teams took over from there, transitioning their mission from rescue to recovery about 30 minutes after the initial call.
Rescue teams, including 28 firefighters from the Austin Fire Department and other units such as Travis County STAR Flight, had collaborated in the earlier search for Savarin, as cited by KVUE. However, the search was paused and expected to continue the following morning as nightfall hindered the efforts. Despite the dedication of local authorities, the exerted search ended with Savarin being pronounced dead at 10:28 p.m. the same evening.
The incident occurred amidst Easter celebrations at the park, reminding the public of the unpredictable dangers that can lurk within leisurely activities. "Any swimming in Austin area should be very careful. It gets very deep quickly — it becomes 14, 15, 20 foot very quickly," advised Lt. Elijah Myrick while noting the peril of underestimating one's swimming ability, recommending swimming with a companion for safety, according to his statement to CBS Austin. Police are still investigating the event to understand the circumstances that led to Savarin's unfortunate demise.
