Santos Tiul-Chen : Tragic Church Youth Event: Friends Drown Saving Teen in Water

ALVA, Fla. (WBBH) – A devastating tragedy struck the community of Alva, Florida, as three young men lost their lives in a drowning incident at a local lock and dam. The victims, identified as 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 incident occurred following a church youth event at the Franklin Lock and Dam, where a group of individuals decided to stay behind for a swim. Neyda Velasquez, a close friend of the victims, expressed the shock and disbelief felt by everyone in the community in the aftermath of the tragedy.

The memorial service held at the church on Sunday honoured the memories of the three young men, with photographs and flowers serving as a poignant tribute to their lives.

According to Velasquez, the tragic incident unfolded when Tiul-Chen, who lacked swimming experience, entered the water at the lock and encountered difficulties. Despite his limitations, Pascal bravely jumped in to assist Tiul-Chen, only to find himself struggling as well. Gaspar, displaying immense courage and loyalty, joined the rescue effort, but unfortunately, all three young men submerged and did not resurface.

Although paramedics attempted life-saving measures at the scene, none of the victims were able to be revived. Velasquez spoke of the heroic actions of Pascal and Gaspar, highlighting their selfless bravery in attempting to save their friend.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office revealed that a fourth individual, whose identity remains undisclosed, also intervened in the rescue attempt and managed to survive the harrowing ordeal.

In response to the tragic incident, the Army Corps of Engineers installed new signage in both English and Spanish at the site, clearly indicating a prohibition on swimming to prevent further accidents.