WEST BLOOMFIELD, Mich. — A 19-year-old man died Sunday night after an accidental drowning in Pine Lake.
Oakland County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the 3800 block of Norman Wood Drive around 6:24 p.m. following reports of a swimmer in distress who had gone underwater and didn't resurface.
Investigators identified the victim as Jauwan Walter Hayes Jr. of West Bloomfield Township.
According to officials, Hayes was at the beach with family members and was swimming in a designated area between two floating platforms when witnesses saw him begin to struggle. He went underwater shortly after and did not come back up.
Bystanders immediately entered the water to search for Hayes, located him, and brought him back to shore.
Paramedics with the West Bloomfield Fire Department arrived on scene and initiated lifesaving measures. Hayes was transported to Henry Ford Hospital West Bloomfield, where resuscitation efforts continued, but he later died.
The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team and regional dive strike teams were initially activated, but bystanders recovered Hayes before dive personnel were needed.
Authorities noted that Hayes was not wearing a personal flotation device at the time of the incident. Alcohol is not believed to have been a factor.
The Oakland County Medical Examiner’s Office performed an autopsy and ruled the death an accidental drowning. The incident remains under investigation by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office.
