Two men were pronounced dead Saturday after being pulled from Lake Michigan near the south pier of the Pigeon Lake Channel in Port Sheldon Township, Ottawa County. Before deputies arrived, bystanders reportedly tried to rescue the pair, and first responders continued lifesaving efforts at the scene. The victims were identified as a 24-year-old man from Warrenville, Illinois, and a 26-year-old man from Ada.
Shortly after 1 p.m., deputies responded to reports of a water emergency at the south pier, after dispatchers received multiple calls about people struggling in the water. As reported by FOX 17, first responders pulled the individuals from the water, but lifesaving efforts were not successful and both men were pronounced dead at the scene. The Ottawa County Sheriff's Office said the investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Where It Happened
The Pigeon Lake Channel connects inland Pigeon Lake to Lake Michigan and is lined with piers and jetties that can create strong currents and sudden drop-offs. Local planning documents map the public boardwalk and jetty infrastructure near the channel and note that the area is a common access point for anglers and beachgoers. See Port Sheldon Township for shoreline and pier details.
Lake Michigan Safety in Context
Water safety groups say many Great Lakes drownings occur near piers and channels where currents and cold water can quickly exhaust swimmers. Tracking by the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project shows 18 Great Lakes drownings so far this year, eight of them in Lake Michigan, underscoring the danger at drop-offs and jetties. The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project maintains a running tally and urges caution at known hazard areas.
Authorities did not immediately release further details about how the men ended up in the water. The investigation remains ongoing, and officials say they will release more information as it becomes available. This article will be updated when additional details are provided.
