Detroit, MI – A 20-year-old Detroit man drowned Saturday morning while swimming in Taylor Lake in Rose Township.
According to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, Marsalis Quintin Carter, who listed residences in Detroit and Tuskegee, Ala., jumped off the side of a pontoon boat into the private lake and did not resurface. The Oakland County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team was dispatched to the scene at 11:07 a.m.
“I encourage people to have a personal flotation device on if they are not strong swimmers when they get in the lake, as we have had numerous drownings this summer in similar situations,” Sheriff Michael Bouchard said. “Even if you are a strong swimmer and have been drinking alcohol, it’s a good idea as well.”
Carter was part of a moving crew assisting a resident. During a break, the crew asked to go on the boat with the owner to relax. Carter and another man jumped into the water. The other man returned to the boat, but Carter did not.
Strike teams from the Southeast Michigan Dive Group and the North Oakland County Fire Authority assisted the sheriff’s office in the search, including divers from Genesee, Lapeer, Livingston, and Wayne counties. At least 25 divers searched for more than 13 hours. The Sheriff’s Office aviation and drone units also responded.
Divers used sonar equipment and searching techniques due to poor visibility. Carter’s body was found around 12:30 a.m. Sunday, 300 feet from shore and 35 feet underwater. An autopsy is scheduled at the Oakland County Medical Examiner’s office.
