Reports Say Man Rescued from American Lake Dies

UPDATE: 11:01 a.m., 8/5/12

Several media outlets are reporting that the man pulled from American Lake died at the hospital.

Patch will have more information on this story as it becomes available.

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(Editor's note: This is from West Pierce Fire & Rescue)

West Pierce Fire and Rescue swim rescuers and scuba divers responded to a 9-1-1 call of an adult male who disappeared under the water while swimming with friends in the swim area of Harry Todd Park in Lakewood, Washington.  Both Lakewood Police and West Pierce Fire & Rescue crews worked together in locating and extricating the victim following a search that took three minutes after West Pierce Rescue Swimmers entered the water.

The patient required CPR and paramedic procedures. He was transported to a nearby hospital where his condition is considered grave. His friends immediately yelled for help after realizing their friend did not surface; neighbors called 9-1-1.

This is the second drowning event this year in the City of Lakewood.  “Our Rescue Swimmers and Rescue Divers train for these types of events regularly,” said Battalion Chief and Dive Rescue Program manager Patrick MacNealy.  “This is the time of year when the index of water related emergencies increase, both day and night.”

Not less than six months ago the West Pierce Fire and Rescue - Rescue Swimmers and a Lakewood resident received acknowledgement for their roles in a night time rescue of two people who fell out of a boat on Lake Steilacoom.  One person was saved and the other died from drowning.