Police Confirms Drowning Death at Lake Nacogdoches on Saturday

Saturday evening, June 29, just after 7 p.m., officers with the Nacogdoches Police Department responded to the west side park at Lake Nacogdoches after receiving reports of a man who had possibly drowned.

Numerous agencies including the Nacogdoches Fire Department, Nacogdoches County Sheriff's Office, Texas Game Wardens, and Nacogdoches Police responded to search for the victim.

According to an NPD Facebook post, after an extensive search by first responders and civilians on the scene, the Nacogdoches Police and Fire Rescue Dive Team were requested to assist.

The divers were able to locate the deceased victim hours later near where he was last seen going under the water. Preliminary information gathered at the scene indicates the victim was swimming with family and friends when he was last scene.

The victim has been identified as Caleb Arthurs, 37, from Nacogdoches. The Justice of the Peace from Precinct 1 in Nacogdoches County has requested an autopsy. Nacogdoches Police will release more information at a later date as this is an ongoing investigation.

Please keep Caleb along with his family and friends, as well as the first responders and divers in your prayers.

In 2018, a drowning occurred at the west side park. An 87-year-old man drowned after wading into the water from the shoreline.

Lake Nacogdoches

The lake covers a surface area of over 2200 acres, and it is 40 feet deep at its maximum. Lake Nacogdoches is located approximately 10 miles west of Nacogdoches with the area of Loco Bayou. 

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Lake Nacogdoches is 97.3% full as of the latest readings on June 30.