Santos Tiul-Chen : “Tragic Church Youth Event Drowning Incident”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Water rescue mission
2. Youth event drowning incident

Three young men tragically drowned in a Florida river after a church youth event at Franklin Lock and Dam. The victims, Santos Tiul-Chen, Pedro Pascal, and Victor Leonardo Pedro Gaspar, were all members of Jesus Es La Verdad Church in Fort Myers. Neyda Velasquez, a close friend, expressed shock and grief over the incident. Tiul-Chen, who couldn’t swim, entered the water and struggled, prompting Pascal and Gaspar to try to rescue him. Despite efforts from paramedics, all three victims succumbed to the water. Velasquez praised their heroic actions, emphasizing their dedication to helping others. The Army Corps of Engineers has since posted warning signs in English and Spanish prohibiting swimming in the area.

ALVA, Florida – A tragic incident unfolded at a Florida lock and dam in Alva, where three young men lost their lives in a drowning accident. The victims, 17-year-old Santos Tiul-Chen, 21-year-old Pedro Pascal, and 19-year-old Victor Leonardo Pedro Gaspar, were all members of the Jesus Es La Verdad Church in Fort Myers. The community is in mourning, as they remember the lives of these young individuals who perished too soon.

### Youth Event Turns Tragic

The events leading up to the tragedy began with a church youth event at Franklin Lock and Dam. After the event concluded, a group of attendees decided to stay behind and enjoy the waters of the river. Little did they know that this decision would lead to a devastating outcome.

Neyda Velasquez, a close friend of the victims, expressed the shock and disbelief felt by everyone following the incident. She recalled seeing one of the victims just days before the tragedy occurred, highlighting the sudden and heartbreaking nature of the loss.

### Heroic Efforts Turn Tragic

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office revealed that the incident unfolded when Tiul-Chen, who had no swimming experience, entered the water at the lock and began to struggle. Despite his lack of experience, his friends, Pascal and Gaspar, immediately jumped in to try and save him. Tragically, all three young men found themselves in distress, and none of them resurfaced after going underwater.

Paramedics rushed to the scene and attempted to revive the victims, but their efforts were in vain. Velasquez praised the bravery of Pascal and Gaspar, highlighting their heroic attempt to save their friend in distress.

### Lingering Questions and Safety Measures

As the community grapples with the loss of three young lives, questions remain about the circumstances that led to the tragic outcome. Authorities have not disclosed the identity of a fourth individual who survived the incident after attempting to help the victims.

In response to the tragedy, the Army Corps of Engineers took action by erecting new signs in English and Spanish near the area, clearly stating, “No swimming.” These measures serve as a reminder of the dangers posed by bodies of water, especially for those who may not be strong swimmers.

In the wake of this heartbreaking event, the community is left to mourn the loss of Santos Tiul-Chen, Pedro Pascal, and Victor Leonardo Pedro Gaspar. Their memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew them, and their actions serve as a testament to the bonds of friendship and the willingness to help others in times of need.