PELHAM, Ala. — Oak Mountain State Park was the scene of heartbreak Saturday evening after a 20-year-old Birmingham man drowned while swimming at the park’s beach area.
Authorities have identified the victim as Will Aden Chisholm, 20, of Birmingham.
Witnesses said Chisholm went under the water near the buoy line about 6:30 p.m. Saturday and did not resurface, prompting a large emergency response.
Pelham Fire Department crews deployed boats equipped with sonar and sent a dive team into the water to search the swimming area. After an extensive search, Chisholm was located and pulled from the water.
He was believed to have been underwater for at least 20 minutes when he was found, officials said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Park staff and first responders offered condolences to Chisholm’s family Sunday, as news of the young man’s death spread through the Birmingham community.
“Will was just 20. This is every parent’s worst nightmare,” a family friend said. “Our hearts are broken.”
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, which oversees Oak Mountain State Park, is investigating the drowning. Officials remind swimmers to stay within designated areas, heed buoy lines, and never swim alone.
Grief counselors were made available to park staff and emergency crews following the recovery.
Will Aden Chisholm’s life was cut tragically short on what should have been a summer evening with friends. He is remembered by loved ones for his smile, his loyalty, and the future he won’t get to live
Birmingham’s Will Aden Chisholm, 20, Drowns at Oak Mountain State Park After Going Under Near Buoy Line
