UPDATED: Drowning Tragedy at Antlers Park: Heroic Rescue, One Fatality
Updated at 10:25 AM on July 16, 2024.
LAKEVILLE, MINNESOTA - On the evening of Saturday, July 13, 2024, emergency personnel responded to a reported drowning at Antlers Park, situated on the southeast side of Lake Marion. Multiple units were dispatched to the scene, including deputies from the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office, Lakeville Police and Fire Departments, Allina Medics, and the Burnsville Fire Department.
According to a press release from the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office, the incident was first reported around 5:30 PM. Witnesses reported seeing two men on an inflatable device outside the designated swimming area. According to these witnesses, a wave from a nearby boat caused both men to fall into the water. Neither of the men could swim. A bystander heroically entered the water and rescued a 19-year-old man. Unfortunately, the second man submerged before he could be rescued and did not resurface.
The press release states that at approximately 8:00 PM, the Sheriff's dive team successfully located the body of the second victim roughly 40 yards offshore in eight feet of water. He was identified as 26-year-old Reynaldo Antonio Patishtan Hernandez from Northfield.
Sheriff Joe Leko expressed deep condolences to Mr. Patishtan Hernandez's family and friends. He also thanked and commended the bystander for his heroic, lifesaving efforts in rescuing the 19-year-old man.
Original Story
On the evening of Saturday, July 13, 2024, emergency personnel responded to a reported drowning at Antlers Park, situated on the southeast side of Lake Marion. Multiple units were dispatched to the scene, including deputies from the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office, Allina Medics, Burnsville Fire Department, Lakeville Fire Department, and Lakeville Police Department.
A call came into Dakota County Dispatch around 5:30 PM. Sheriff Joe Leko confirmed in a post on the office's Facebook page that deputies were assisting in an active water rescue operation. According to an update from the Sheriff around 9 PM, Sheriff Leko said that the dive team successfully recovered the body of an adult male, found 40 yards from the shore at approximately 8:00 PM. The Sheriff confirmed that the individual had gone underwater and did not resurface. Sheriff Leko expressed deep condolences to the victim’s family and friends.
In response to the incident, Antlers Park was briefly closed to the public at approximately 8:15 PM Saturday as they investigated the incident. Law enforcement has not confirmed the identity of the deceased. As more information becomes available, we will provide further updates.
Written by: Will Wight
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