MARION COUNTY, Fla. — A 22-year-old man died after drowning in Lake Weir near Gator Joe’s Beach Bar & Grill, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies said the man was swimming with friends toward a buoy when he grew tired and went underwater.
Brett Harvey was at Gator Joe’s at the time and said he and his friends were eating and getting ready to leave when they noticed people splashing in the water.
About two minutes later, he said they heard someone yell that a man was drowning.
“We all just took off and started swimming out there,” Harvey said.
Harvey said one of his friends also used a boat to make passes through the area, trying to help first responders.
“It all happened pretty quickly,” Harvey said. “I mean, within 15 minutes, we found him.”
The man was pulled over and was taken to a hospital, where he died, according to the sheriff’s office. His name has not been released.
“The Lord had us there for a reason; we could help however we could,” said Harvey. “Hug your loved ones a little bit tighter and make a phone call to your family and tell them you love them.”
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