Father drowns while trying to swim across lake with his 8-year-old son, deputies say

OWOSSO, Mich. (WILX/Gray News) - Authorities in Michigan say a father drowned after he and his 8-year-old son tried to swim across a lake at a campground.

Shiawassee County deputies say a 42-year-old man went swimming with his 8-year-old son around 5 p.m. Thursday at a campground in Owosso Township. The pair tried to swim across the lake and made it halfway before the father realized he couldn’t finish the swim, according to deputies.

Nearby campers heard the father and son yelling for help. A bystander swam out to them but couldn’t keep them both afloat. He rescued the 8-year-old, taking him to shore.

First responders who got in the lake to save the father found him unconscious in the water after about 20 minutes. Lifesaving measures were attempted, and the father was taken to the hospital, where he was declared dead.

Authorities say no life preservers were used, and the father and son allegedly left the safe swim area of the lake. They do not believe drugs or alcohol were factors in the drowning.

Owosso Police, Owosso Fire, Shiawassee County deputies, and Michigan State Police responded to the call.