Bell County Sheriff's Deputy Drowns After Falling Off Boat While Fishing

Belton, TX -- Search teams on Monday found the body of a Bell County deputy submerged in a lake after the man fell off a boat while fishing the previous day, according to media reports.

Bell County Sheriff's Department officials confirmed the body recovered from 26 feet of water in Belton Lake on Monday morning is that of Stephen K. Foster, 35, of Belton, KWTX reported.

Friends of the late deputy told investigators Foster had fallen off a boat during a fishing trip with friends. Foster started his career with the Bell County Sheriff's Department in 2013, when he began working as a jailer, KXXV reported.

Foster was then sent to the police academy, subsequently promoted to deputy in 2015 and was assigned to the critical incident team, the station reported.

The sheriff's department and game wardens had searched for Foster since Sunday night before discontinuing the search. They resumed their efforts Monday morning, when they were able to locate Foster's body.

The lake was reportedly closed to the public because of higher water levels than normal as a result of recent flooding. Bell County, like other cities in Central Texas, was hit hard in May and June with torrential rainstorms, prompting officials in some cities to ban boating and other recreational activities outright at area lakes and creeks because of elevated water levels and debris.

A visit to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website alerts shows the Belton Lake advisories that had been sent to the public related to the flood-changed Belton Lake dynamics.

"Belton Lakeview boat ramp is open at this time," an advisory begins. "It is strongly recommended that boaters should detour from using the ramp due to the hazards associated with the rising flood waters."

And then, ironically, this advisory: "Be Safe & Wear Your Life Jacket!" Reportedly, Foster was not wearing a life vest at the time of his death.

Foster, a graduate of Texas A&M, is survived by his wife and other family members.

>>> Photo via Bell County Sheriff's Department