Headfirst Shallow Water Dive Leads to Tragedy at East Texas Lake

The City of Gladewater Police report the death of a 34-year-old man who perished from injuries he suffered while diving headfirst into a shallow area of Lake Gladewater.

According to the release on the Gladewater Police Facebook Page, the incident happened on Saturday, July 1. Just before 4:30 p.m., Gladewater dispatch received a 911 call to respond to Gladewater Lake at 1602 Lakeshore Drive in reference to an unresponsive male subject. Emergency services were dispatched and when they arrived they immediately started life-saving measures.

Several witnesses stated to the first responders that the male subject dove headfirst from an embankment approximately 40 feet above the lake into a pool of water about 4 feet deep. Gladewater Police added that the location of the accident occurred off the main lake at an area where people go and swim. This area is surrounded by tall embankments, shallow water, and a rocky bottom.

Witnesses that observed the victim dive into the water helped pull him from the water and began to render aid. Gladewater Fire, Christus EMS, and Gladewater Police worked diligently to resuscitate the victim, but he succumbed to his injuries.

The initial investigation revealed that alcohol may have been a contributing factor in this unfortunate incident. Upshur County Justice of the Peace Wyone Manes was notified, and she responded and held the inquest. The next of kin of the victim has been notified by the Gladewater Police Department.

According to the City of Gladewater, the spring-fed lake is nearly 7,000 acres and was constructed in 1952.

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