15-year-old's body recovered from floodwater in Magnolia after playing near retention pond: MCSO
The teen likely thought he was stepping into a flooded ditch before he drowned, the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office said.
MAGNOLIA, Texas (KTRK) -- A 15-year-old's body was recovered from floodwaters in Magnolia on Tuesday evening after authorities said the teenager, along with some friends, was playing near a retention pond.
According to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to the 30000 block of Turriff Circle following a report of a missing juvenile in a flooded retention pond at about 6 p.m.
Investigators said they learned that a group of teenagers was riding 4-wheelers near a construction roadway and adjacent retention pond when a 15-year-old entered the water. Officials said the water quickly exceeded the teenager's height, and he went under.
Authorities said a 911 call was made immediately before the Magnolia Fire Department responded to the scene.
After an extensive search using sonar technology, MCSO said the 15-year-old was recovered and pronounced dead at the scene.
"It was difficult to traverse. It was flooded all the way to the street, so we did have to maneuver through the water to get back to the actual retention pond, but crews worked together to make that happen," Magnolia FD Chief T. Colburn said.
The identity of the victim is not being released pending notification of his family, officials said.
MCSO said its detectives are conducting a death investigation, which they said is protocol after a drowning incident. Investigators said there is no indication of foul play.
MCSO said the incident serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers associated with floodwaters, stating that even areas that appear shallow or calm can present dangerous hazards.
"You always have to be careful with moving water. Whether it's right after rain or ever. Fast-moving water will sweep you away regardless of what it looks like to you from the surface. You don't know what's under the water. You always want to avoid going into any type of unknown water," MCSO Lt. Richard Durbin said.
Officials said Magnolia FD led the initial investigation, including the dive operations, with other agencies assisting, including MCSO, the Willis Fire Department, the Woodlands Fire Department, and the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management.
