A 20-year-old man from Battle Creek tragically drowned while swimming in Goguac Lake this past weekend, local law enforcement reported. According to WOODTV, the incident occurred at Willard Beach yesterday around 5:40 p.m.
The Calhoun County Sheriff's Office indicated that their deputies were quick to the scene, as the Marine Unit was already patrolling the lake when the drowning was reported. With additional support from a conglomerate of emergency teams, including the Area Law Enforcement Underwater Recovery Team, Battle Creek Police Department, Battle Creek Fire Department, and the LifeCare ambulance, efforts to locate and revive the man were rapidly initiated. The victim was found "near the buoys marking the swim area," and despite immediate CPR efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The man's identity was withheld that day, pending family notification, as noted by WOODTV.
Various technologies and manpower were utilized during the rescue operation. Battle Creek Police put up a drone to assist in the search efforts from above, while the Marine Unit employed sonar equipment. Moreover, the Underwater Recovery Team deployed divers to successfully locate the man. The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the sheriff's office, and they urge anyone with details about the incident to come forward, as affirmed by WZZM13.
Following the emergency, Willard Beach was closed to the public, yet scheduled to reopen today. Officials from the WMED Medical Examiner's office responded to assist with forensic examination, alongside a number of emergency crews. The community was also credited for their assistance during the search and rescue operation.
