2 Montgomery County Men Drown Near San Luis Pass

SAN LUIS PASS, TX — The powerful rip currents of San Luis Pass claimed the lives of two men who were swimming near the San Luis Pass bridge on Monday afternoon.

Investigators said Larry Lumpkin, 67, of Willis was vacationing with his family, and waded into the water.

He was pulled under the water by a rip current, and his son-in-law, 46-year old Dennis Roberson, of Montgomery, jumped in to try and save Lumpkin and was also pulled under.

Roberson and Lumpkin were swept about a half mile down the coastline, and were seen by Armando Espinoza, 54, of Houston, who ran into the surf and tried to help the men, and was also overcome by the water, KPRC reported.

Espinoza was able to pull Lumpkin and Roberson from the water, but Lumpkin was already dead, officials said.

Roberson was flown to John Sealy Hospital in Galveston, and was pronounced dead.

Espinoza was also flown by LifeFlight to John Sealy Hospital, and is listed in stable condition.

RELATED: Body Of Missing Fisherman At San Luis Pass Is Found

Roberson and Lumpkin are the latest of four victims who’ve lost their lives to strong rip currents along San Luis Pass.

In June, 19-year old Jacob Szydlowsk drowned while wade fishing with a friend at the San Luis Pass bridge, and in July, Rufino Suarez, 27, drowned while saving his 5-year old son.

Image: Susan Nilsson via Flickr Commons

Follow Us On Facebook: Engage with your neighbors in the Metro Houston area and keep up with the talk of the day by liking one of our Facebook pages. Houston / Midtown Houston / Houston Heights / Galleria - River Oaks / Bellaire / Meyerland / Humble-Kingwood / Conroe-Montgomery County / Sugar Land / Pasadena / The Woodlands / Clear Lake

Send news tips to bryan.kirk@patch.com