Man Drowns While Swimming At Stony Creek Metropark

MACOMB COUNTY, MI — A 20-year-old man drowned while swimming at Stony Creek Metropark over the weekend, according to officials. Around 8 p.m. Saturday Macomb County Sheriff’s Office dispatch received a call about two men swimming at Stony Creek who were struggling to stay afloat.

Deputies, along with Metro Park Police, made it to the shore near Winter Cove picnic area and found that one of the men, also 20 years old, had made it safely to land with the assistance of a nearby boater. The second man, Rayven Elia, of Sterling Heights, drowned and was later located by search and rescue personnel.

It is believed that Elia was under water from about 15 minutes. He was transported to the hospital and died the following day.

Police say the men became tangled in heavy vegetation while swimming, causing them to have difficulties. Neither was wearing a life jacket, authorities said. The Sheriff’s Office will continue to investigate.

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