Update
The Fayette County Coroner identified the 16-year-old as Deon Davis. He was pronounced dead at UK Medical Center after being transported from the reservoir. In the coroner's report it's noted the teen was swimming/diving with others at the reservoir when he failed to surface.
A post was made on the Henry Clay Basketball Facebook page Saturday afternoon mourning Davis's death.
It read in part, "The Blue Devil basketball community is deeply saddened by the recent tragedy that took the life of Deon Davis. Our hearts go out to his family, our teammates, parents, coaches, and all the lives Deon touched. He truly was loved by his teammates, parents, and most he crossed paths with. He will be greatly missed and forever a Henry Clay Blue Devil."
Lexington Police are investigating the incident.
A GoFundMe has been set up to support the Davis family. Click here.
Original
A boy was rushed to UK Hospital in critical condition after rescuers pulled him from a reservoir in Lexington Friday evening. It happened just off a dock along Laketower Drive near Richmond Road. First responders said the boy had been underwater for about 40 minutes when they found him.
The first report came to the Lexington Fire Department at 7:30 p.m.
"We got a report when we were dispatched that he had jumped off the dock that’s behind this location. We’re not sure why. One of the reports that we had is that he didn’t know how to swim but we haven’t been able to verify that," said District Chief Zach Ferguson.
Rescuers were on scene by 7:35 p.m. Ferguson said they found several other people trying to help the boy.
"We appreciate their efforts and their heroism, but it’s always best to stand by and wait for us to get on scene," Ferguson said.
"I don’t envy them. It's a terrible, terrible position to be in but thankfully, we had crews here quickly and we’re able to get them in the water," he added.
Divers were in the water at 7:45 p.m. and they found the boy at 8:10 p.m. under seven feet of water. They rushed him to UK Hospital in critical condition.
As we approach summer and more people head to the water, rescuers are stressing water safety.
"Unfortunately, we did have another water rescue last month that we responded to. That victim also did not have a life jacket on. That’s one of the biggest things we can stress to people is always when you’re around water, exercise water safety. Make sure you’re wearing your personal flotation device," Ferguson said.
