PELHAM, Ala. — A community is grieving after a 20-year-old man drowned Saturday evening at Oak Mountain State Park during what should have been a summer outing with friends and family.
The Pelham Fire Department was called to the park to assist with the search for a missing person at the beach swimming area. Firefighters quickly deployed boats equipped with sonar and sent in a dive team to search the water.
After an intensive search, the victim was located and pulled from the water. He was believed to have been underwater for at least 20 minutes when he was found, authorities said. He was pronounced dead on the scene.
Park officials and first responders have not yet released the young man’s name, pending notification of family. The loss has sent shockwaves through the Oak Mountain community, where the beach area is a popular spot for families during summer months.
“Our hearts go out to his family and friends,” a Pelham Fire Department official said. “This is a tragic reminder of how quickly things can change on the water, even for strong swimmers.”
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, which oversees Oak Mountain State Park, is investigating the circumstances of the drowning. Officials urge visitors to swim only in designated areas, never swim alone, and remain aware of water safety guidelines.
Grief counselors and chaplains were made available to first responders and park staff following the recovery.
He was just 20 years old — a life cut far too short. The Pelham and Oak Mountain communities will remember Saturday evening as a night of profound loss.
20-Year-Old Man Drowns in Tragic Oak Mountain State Park Swimming Accident Saturday Evening
