Teenager Drowns, Two More Hospitalized

Four teenagers and a 20 year-old man were playing in the Neches River at the Lakeview Day Use Area on the afternoon of Saturday, May 3rd, when one of them – a 15 year-old male – drowned. The five were wading on a sandbar in the river, but ventured out too far and found themselves in over their heads. The teens who were not good swimmers panicked and quickly exhausted themselves trying to swim to shore. The adult male managed to save a 17 year-old female and tried to save her younger brother, but was unsuccessful. Two other teens managed to save themselves. A 16 year-old male and the sister of the drowned teen were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Ranger Mike Hughes recovered the body of the drowning victim that evening with help from Orange County FD personnel. Media interest in the tragedy has been high.