Santos Tiul-Chen : Tragic Church Youth Event Drowning: Friends Try to Save Teen

ALVA, Fla. (WBBH) – A heartbreaking incident unfolded at the Franklin Lock and Dam in Florida, where three young men lost their lives in a drowning accident. The victims, identified as 17-year-old Santos Tiul-Chen, 21-year-old Pedro Pascal, and 19-year-old Victor Leonardo Pedro Gaspar, had been attending a church youth event at Jesus Es La Verdad Church in Fort Myers before the tragedy occurred.

The community is in mourning as the church congregation remembers the young men during a somber Sunday service. A memorial has been set up inside the church, adorned with pictures and flowers in memory of the beloved trio.

Neyda Velasquez, a close friend of the victims, expressed the shock and disbelief felt by everyone following the tragic incident on Saturday. According to Velasquez, a group of individuals stayed behind at the lock and dam area after the church event to enjoy a swim.

Velasquez shared memories of the young men, describing them as dedicated individuals committed to the teachings of their faith. She recalled seeing one of the victims just a week before the tragic accident, highlighting the sudden and devastating nature of their passing.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office provided details of the incident, noting that Tiul-Chen, who lacked swimming experience, encountered difficulties in the water at the lock. Pascal bravely attempted to rescue his friend, but he too found himself in distress. Gaspar then entered the water to assist his friends, leading to a tragic outcome as all three young men submerged and were unable to resurface.

Despite efforts to save them, paramedics were unable to revive the victims, leaving the community in shock and grief over the loss of these promising lives. Velasquez hailed the bravery of the two victims who knew how to swim, highlighting their selfless act of trying to save their friend despite the tragic outcome.

An additional individual who attempted to aid the victims survived the incident, though their identity has not been disclosed at this time. The Army Corps of Engineers responded to the tragedy by erecting new signs in English and Spanish at the site, warning against swimming in the area.