A quiet private pond in east Fort Worth became the scene of a tragedy this morning when two adults were found dead after what police described as an apparent kayaking accident. Officers discovered an overturned kayak and the two victims in the water, and emergency crews pronounced both people dead at the scene. Authorities said they are investigating how the incident unfolded.
According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, officers were called to a water emergency around 11:20 a.m. at a pond on private property near 3100 Cooks Lane, where they found the overturned kayak with two people. The paper reported that one victim was about 60 years old and the other about 20. The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office will make the official identifications, and police told the paper it was not yet clear what led to the accident.
State context and safety
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department notes that paddle sports make up a relatively small share of reported boating incidents in Texas but a disproportionately high share of fatalities. In 2025, TPWD recorded 178 boating incidents statewide that resulted in 50 deaths. About 70% of those fatalities were drownings, and the agency said most victims were not wearing life jackets.
National trend and prevention
Nationally, drowning has been climbing in recent years and remains a major cause of unintentional injury deaths, according to the CDC’s Vital Signs report. Federal health officials urge wider access to basic swimming lessons and water-safety training, and they recommend wearing life jackets, avoiding alcohol around the water, and keeping a sound-producing device on hand when paddling.
What investigators say next
Fort Worth police said the Tarrant County Medical Examiner will identify the victims and that officials have not yet released their names, as reported by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Anyone with information is asked to call the Fort Worth Police Department's non-emergency line at 817-392-4222.
Local context
Hoodline previously reported on a December search for a missing kayaker at Marine Creek Lake. State and local officials continue to urge paddlers to wear life jackets, check conditions before launching and carry safety gear, in line with TPWD guidance.
