Dearborn Teen Drowns In Cass Lake

DEARBORN, MI — Tragedy struck the family a 15-year-old Dearborn boy Saturday evening when he drowned in Cass Lake in Waterford. Mohammed Wutwut was swimming at about 6 p.m. when he began struggling and went under the water. Divers from several police agencies responded within minutes, but were unable to recover the boy until early Monday morning.

The body of Wutwut was discovered about 12:45 a.m. about 300 feet from shore, according to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office. The teenager had recently completed his freshman year at Star International Academy in Dearborn Heights.

“I'm not angry that you're gone, habibi,” wrote Sara Wutwut, his sister in a public Facebook post. “Allah has called you back to His Grace. I'm just broken. Broken because I have to say goodbye, broken because I don't get the chance to see you grow up to be the wonderful man I knew you would be... I was really looking forward to seeing you grow up.”

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The Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit and Dive Team responded to the scene. Units from the Waterford Police and Regional Fire Department also responded. A total of 10 divers searched for Mohammed through what the described as think underwater weeds in Cass Lake.

"We just kept at it, we had hoped for a different outcome, it is a tragic situation," Capt. Mel Maier, with the Oakland County Sheriff's Department's Emergency Operation told the Detroit Free Press.

Sara Wutwut’s Facebook page was filled with condolences from the community. The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office also posted about the tragedy and an outpouring of support was given from the entire Metro Detroit area.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to this family,” Nancy Scott wrote on the public page. “We also lost a loved one through drowning it’s devastating but U must find peace...counseling does help..I go to this park almost every day I will pray as I was taught cause whatever religion U R our prayers are heard.. Thank you to all the officers,divers & whoever else who helpD in this recovery.. God Bless.”

Becky Lilly-Wilson said she is sorry for the Wutwut family’s loss and also praised the sheriff’s office for its efforts. “My heart breaks for everyone,” she wrote. “A special thanks to the men and women of the OCSD that never gave up to finding this young man. Most do not say it often but, your services never go unnoticed.”

Services for Mohammed Wutwut will be held Monday, July 10 from 1:30 - 2 p.m. at the Karabala Islamic Center in Dearborn. Burial will follow at the Islamic Memorial Gardens in Westland.

Memorial photo of Mohammed Wutwut used with permission. Image of Mohammed Wutwut courtesy of GoFundMe.