Teen Takes Off Life Jacket, Drowns: Sheriff

MORSE TOWNSHIP, MN — Authorities say an 18-year-old drowned after taking off his life jacket before swimming in a Minnesota lake Tuesday evening.

Witnesses told the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office that the teen initially swam out to a floating dock in the lake and back to shore with a life jacket on.

He "felt confident" he could make it to the dock again without the jacket, police said.

As he reached the floating dock, he sunk into the lake and was recovered about 30 minutes later, according to authorities. Life saving efforts were unsuccessful.

The incident remains under investigation and his name is being withheld until the family is notified.

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