Crime & Safety
UPDATE: Rescue Workers Recover Body of Teen Who Drowned at Raccoon River Beach
A young man was reportedly thrashing in the water before going under at the West Des Moines lake.
Rescue workers have recovered the body of a 17-year-old young man who drowned at after attempts by several people failed to save him.
With temperatures in the 90s and oppressive humidity weighing down on the area, the beach was crowded with people looking to cool off, said West Des Moines Fire Marshal Mike Whitsell.
Witnesses saw the victim thrashing in the water before going under, Whitsell said, and several people jumped in the water but could not pull him out.
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Divers and other rescue workers recovered the body nearly two hours after the report came in.
No lifeguards are assigned to the beach at Blue Heron Lake, part of Raccoon River Park along Grand Avenue in West Des Moines.
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The identity of the young man is being withheld until relatives can be notified.
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