Vessel one, a paddleboard, was being operated by the victim, a novice paddle boarder,near the shoreline in Lake Minnehaha.  Witness statements indicate that the victim was about 100 feet from shore, when he fell overboard and attempted to swim back to the board, but was not able to reach it.  He was struggling and called out for help, a nearby kayaker went to assist, getting near the victim and holding out a paddle to him.  The victim was not able to get the paddle and went under water.  The kayaker, along with a swimmer from shore, went under water and attempted to locate the victim, but were unsuccessful due to the poor water visibility.  The victim was reportedly a poor swimmer, or unable to swim and did not wear a personal floatation device, however, one was attached to the paddleboard.  The victim was recovered approximately 2 and 1/2 hours later, he was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

See the attachment section for a detailed narrative. victim drowned attempting to swim back to paddleboard.  medical blood draw revealed victim had been drinking and alcohol may have been a factor.  See medical examiner's report in the attachment section
CLERMONT