– Friends trying to save teen struggling in water after church youth event
– Friends drown while attempting to rescue teen in water after church youth event.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
ALVA, Fla. (WBBH) – A tragic incident occurred in Alva, Florida, where three young men lost their lives in a drowning accident. The victims have been identified as Santos Tiul-Chen, aged 17, Pedro Pascal, aged 21, and Victor Leonardo Pedro Gaspar, aged 19. They were all members of the Jesus Es La Verdad Church in Fort Myers, where they were fondly remembered during a Sunday service. A memorial with photos and flowers has been set up inside the church to honour their memory.
Neyda Velasquez, a close friend of the victims, expressed the shock and disbelief that the community is still grappling with following the tragic incident. According to Velasquez, the three young men had attended a church youth event at Franklin Lock and Dam on the day of the incident. After the event concluded, a group of individuals decided to stay behind for a swim, leading to the unfortunate turn of events.
(Source: Family photos, WBBH via CNN)
Velasquez described the three young men as dedicated individuals who were committed to their faith and the church community. She recounted how she had seen one of the victims just days before the tragedy unfolded, highlighting the shock and grief that has engulfed their loved ones.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office provided details of the incident, stating that Tiul-Chen, who lacked swimming experience, entered the water at the lock and encountered difficulties. The water depth in the area was reported to be around 10 feet deep. Pascal bravely jumped in to assist Tiul-Chen but soon found himself struggling as well. Gaspar then joined the rescue attempt, leading to all three friends getting submerged and tragically losing their lives.
Despite the efforts of paramedics on the scene, none of the young men survived the incident. Velasquez praised the two victims who knew how to swim for their heroic actions in trying to save their friend, highlighting the tragic outcome of their selfless act.
A fourth individual who also attempted to help the victims managed to survive the ordeal. The identity of this individual has not been disclosed at this time. The Army Corps of Engineers has since installed new signs in English and Spanish in the area, warning against swimming in the vicinity.
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1. Friends drown save teen struggling water church youth event
2. Friends attempt rescue teen water church youth event.
