Three young men tragically drowned while swimming in the Caloosahatchee River near the Franklin Lock in Alva, Florida.
The victims, identified by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office as Santos Tiul-Chen (17), Victor Pedro-Gaspar (19), and Pedro Miguel Pascual (21), lost their lives on Saturday, May 18.
According to the sheriff’s office, the drownings occurred when two of the victims attempted to rescue the first victim who was struggling in the water.
The three young men were visiting the river as part of a youth event organized by the Jesus Es La Verdad Church in Fort Myers.
Since the incident, swimming at the site has been prohibited by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which operates the lock and the nearby recreation area.
An investigation by the sheriff’s office revealed that Tiul-Chen, who lacked swimming experience, entered the water and began to struggle. Pascual jumped in to assist him but also encountered difficulties. Pedro-Gaspar then entered the water to help, but tragically, all three victims went under the water and did not resurface.
The WP Franklin South Recreation Area, where the incident occurred, is a popular spot for outdoor activities, including boating and picnicking. However, swimming is now prohibited at the site as safety measures are being reexamined by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The community has been deeply affected by the loss of these young men, who were remembered fondly during Sunday’s church service. As friends and family mourn their passing, authorities are emphasizing the importance of water safety in preventing such tragedies in the future.
