Four bodies have been discovered in a lake in Texas within a span of just two months, giving rise to various stories.
On April 15, the latest victim, identified as 30-year-old Christopher Hays-Clark, was found in Lady Bird Lake, Texas near Longhorn Dam. There is no indication of foul play, according to the Austin Fire Department.
The three other victims, identified as Jason John, Jonathan Honey, and an unnamed person, were found on February 13, April 1, and March 5, respectively. Autopsies conducted by the county’s medical examiner’s office on the first three victims did not reveal signs of foul play or physical trauma.
The discoveries have caused residents to be nervous, with some people speculating that criminal activity may be involved. However, law enforcement officials say that they have not found any evidence of foul play in any of these cases, noting that alcohol consumption and closeness to the lake seem to be the only common factors.
Lady Bird Lake is a popular destination for various water activities such as kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddle-boarding, and rowing. However, swimming in the lake is prohibited due to safety concerns related to water quality and the presence of underwater hazards.
The lake is situated in Austin, Texas, along the Colorado River and spans over 416 acres. In 2007, it was renamed, in honor of Lady Bird Johnson, the former First Lady of the United States. Mrs. Johnson played a significant role in the beautification of the area.
The recent drownings have raised concerns about the safety of local waters, especially since Lady Bird Lake has seen four such incidents in just two months.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1.4 Texans per 100,000 people die from accidental drowning every year. According to annual reports from the medical examiner’s office, Travis County has had almost double that, with 34 accidental drownings in 2021.
The Austin City Council has unanimously approved a resolution calling for new safety measures on the lake, particularly south of the Rainey Street neighborhood and the downtown entertainment district. In any case, it is essential to be cautious and to follow safety measures in the vicinity of water or out on the water.