A man lost his life after plunging head-first from a 40-foot embankment into a deceptively shallow section of Gladewater Lake in eastern Texas.
The incident occurred on Saturday, July 1, at approximately 4:20 pm.
Gladewater’s Chief of Police, Gordon Freeman, disclosed that authorities received an urgent 911 call reporting an unresponsive person at the lake. First responders were immediately dispatched, initiating lifesaving procedures upon their arrival.
According to eyewitness accounts from approximately seven people, the 34-year-old man dove from a towering embankment believed to be 40 feet high, straight into a pool of water merely four feet deep. This particular section of the lake, located away from the main body of water, attracts swimmers due to its surrounding elevated banks, shallow waters, and rocky bottom.
Witnesses who observed the harrowing incident rushed to the victim’s aid, swiftly removing him from the water and initiating emergency measures. Despite the efforts of first responders to resuscitate him, the man’s injuries were too severe, resulting in his death.
Preliminary investigations led by the police suggested that alcohol might have been a contributing factor in the unfortunate incident, according to Chief Freeman.
Following the incident, Upshur County Justice of the Peace Wyone Manes was notified and arrived on the scene to conduct an inquest. The next of kin of the deceased were also notified.