The Washington County Sheriff’s Office has released new information about the tragic drowning that happened
July 5 at Riverfront Park swimming beach in Lake Saint Croix Beach.
Deputies and rescue divers were called to the beach just after 6:30 Sunday evening after receiving reports of a possible drowning.
A diver with the Lower St. Croix Fire Department located Yonathan Gomez-Diaz, 20-years-old from Hudson, Wisconsin, in about 15 feet of water roughly 20 minutes after the initial 911 call.
Gomez-Diaz was pulled from the water, and first responders immediately began lifesaving efforts before he was transported to Regions Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
Investigators say Gomez-Diaz and a friend were wading in the designated swimming area when they encountered a sudden drop-off. Authorities say neither man was able to swim.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is reminding the public to be aware of changing water depths, know their swimming ability, wear a life jacket when appropriate, and call 911 immediately if someone is in distress.
[Click on the soundbite to listen to the report.]