WHITE LAKE TOWNSHIP (WWJ) A Detroit man drowned when he fell off a boat into White Lake in White Lake Township.
The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office said the victim—Christopher Vaquera, 68—was walking to the rear of the boat to get a beverage, around 6:30 p.m. Friday (7/5) when he “lost his balance and fell into the lake.”
His brother, 65 of Highland Township, was driving the boat; the sheriff’s office said.
Vaquera’s brother threw him a floatation device, but Vaquera could not stay above the water. Two nearby kayakers pulled him from the lake and took him to shore. Paramedics with the White Lake Township Fire Department “performed life-saving measures,” according to the sheriff’s office.
Paramedics took Vaquera to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The sheriff’s office said neither brother wore a life jacket. Investigators believe alcohol is a factor.
The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team also assisted at the scene and continue the investigation.