WASATCH COUNTY, Utah, June 18, 2021 (Gephardt Daily) — Officials have identified a Salt Lake City teen who drowned at Deer Creek Reservoir on Thursday night.
The deceased teenager has been identified as Fernando Botello Arredondo, according to a news release from Utah State Parks.
“At about 4:50 p.m., our 911 Center received a call that a 17-year-old boy was swimming at Deer Creek Reservoir when he went underwater and did not surface,” said a Facebook post from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday night.
“Wasatch County Search and Rescue, Wasatch County Fire, State Parks officers and sheriff’s deputies responded. Rescue crews located the young man, but despite their best efforts, he died at the scene.”
The incident occurred on the east side of the island.
“We are saddened to hear of the loss of this young man and our hearts are with the family and friends so deeply affected,” the statement continued. “As we prepare for Father’s Day weekend, we recognize there will be many individuals and families on the roads and reservoirs.”
The teen was not believed to have been using inflatable water toys or wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident.
“We encourage those swimming and playing on the water to wear life jackets, be aware of their personal limitations on the water, and plan accordingly,” the post said. “We thank all of our first responders, including the 911 dispatchers and search and rescue team, for working through these tragic situations and serving so well.”
