BOX ELDER COUNTY— Search and rescue teams located the body of a 38-year-old Layton man who died Saturday when he drowned in Willard Bay.
Officials with the Utah Department of Natural Resources State Parks Division said Andre Leon Debose was swimming and boating with a group, including his 17-year-old son when a storm came in near Eagle Beach.
According to a press release, a 19-year-old woman in the group reportedly began to struggle while in the water. Debose’s son jumped in to help the woman who was brought back aboard the boat safely.
Authorities said Debose’s son then started to struggle before he was able to reboard. Witnesses said that Debose then jumped from the boat to help his son.
The two were holding onto one life jacket when Debose reportedly went under the water and did not resurface.
Park officials responded and immediately initiated a search. They received assistance from the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation ROV Team, Box Elder County Search and Rescue, and Weber County Search and Rescue.
Debose’s body was recovered from the water by search crews around 11:15 p.m.
His son was medically evaluated by paramedics and cleared on the scene after the incident.
Authorities said in the press release, “The Utah Division of State Parks extends our deepest condolences to Debose’s family and friends during this difficult time. We would also like to express our thanks to the agencies who assisted in the search and recovery efforts.”
The incident marks the second fatal drowning at Willard Bay within a week.