GARDEN CITY, Utah — A 17-year-old boy from Arizona drowned Saturday afternoon after falling off a paddleboard at Bear Lake, according to state officials.
The Utah Department of Natural Resources Division of Law Enforcement reported that the incident occurred at approximately 3:26 p.m. near Ideal Beach in Rich County. The teenager reportedly fell into the water and became separated from his paddleboard. Authorities noted that he was not wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident.
Emergency personnel quickly responded to the scene and recovered the boy from the water. Crews immediately attempted life-saving measures, but their efforts were ultimately unsuccessful.
“This is a tragic and unfortunate circumstance,” the Utah DNR Law Enforcement Division said in a statement, extending its condolences to the teen’s family and friends.
Multiple agencies assisted in the recovery and response, including the Rich County Sheriff’s Office, Rich County Search and Rescue, Garden City EMS, and Bear Lake County Emergency Services from neighboring Idaho.
Officials say the fatal drowning remains under active investigation. The identity of the teenager has not yet been released.