19-year-old man drowns while swimming in pond with friends at Port Huron State Game Area: police

GRANT TOWNSHIP (WWJ) A 19-year-old Imlay City man drowned while swimming with friends near Port Huron.

According to a statement on X , Michigan State Police Third District said their Lapeer Post troopers responded to a report of a drowning near Hewitt’s Pitt at the Port Huron State Game Area in Grant Township. The call came on Saturday (9/21) around 6 p.m.

While the three friends swam across the pond, the victim “began struggling and went under the water.” His friends "attempted to help and immediately called 911", State Police said.

The St. Clair County Dive team “responded very quickly” and found the man, but were unable to save him; according to State Police.

His name was not released.

Dozens of people have drowned in Michigan lakes and rivers this year so far; including at least eleven in Oakland County alone and 77 in the Great Lakes (12 near Michigan beaches), according to the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project.

See the American Red Cross’s tips on Safe Swimming in Rivers, Lakes and Other Natural Water here.