Racine, WI – A 12-year-old boy died Wednesday morning after reportedly going underwater and not resurfacing while swimming with friends at Pershing Park Boat Launch.
According to the Racine County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched at approximately 8:15 a.m. after receiving reports of a child in distress in the water. Racine Police and Fire Department personnel were already on scene when deputies arrived.
Authorities said three boys were swimming near the boat launch when one jumped from an elevated ledge into the water. He resurfaced but appeared to struggle returning to shallow water before going under again and not resurfacing. A friend attempted to help but was unsuccessful.
The Racine Fire Department Dive Team and Racine County Dive Team began search efforts, locating the boy underwater near the boat launch at about 9:15 a.m., officials said.
He was transported to Ascension Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
Sheriff Christopher Schmaling extended condolences to the boy’s family and urged the public to use extreme caution around bodies of water, particularly for individuals with limited swimming abilities.
“This is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly water conditions can turn dangerous,” Schmaling said.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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