Crime & Safety
FROM PATCHES NEARBY: Teenage Boy Drowns At American Lake
Witnesses said lifeguards and visitors at Lakewood's Harry Todd Park jumped in to save the boy. They were unable to locate him.
A 13-year-old boy drowned at Harry Todd Park in Lakewood Thursday afternoon, according to authorities.
Dive crews searched about 45 minutes before discovering the boy's body, said Jenny Sharp, West Pierce Fire & Rescue spokeswoman.
The teenager was swimming in the designated area before going under, Sharp said. On-duty lifeguards and park visitors dove into the lake and attempted to save him.
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Witnesses said they heard the boy screaming help, flailing his arms.
"So many people jumped in the water," witness Arianna Swofford said. "But nobody could find him."
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Local authorities were contacted at 4:37 p.m during a warm summer afternoon. Harry Todd Park is located in the Tillicum neighborhood and has beach access to American Lake.
Witnesses say the boy's father was unsure of his son's whereabouts for the first 20 minutes. Sharp said it took the dive team about 45 minutes to recover the boy's body.
Lakewood Police closed Harry Todd Park to the public pending further investigation. Check back later for an update.
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