There was a drowning death recently at a lake in Central Florida after a man went into the water and began screaming in distress until he disappeared.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the drowning of a Frostproof man at Lake Clinch.
Deputies responded to the Lake Clinch boat ramp on 7th Street West in Frostproof along with members of the Frostproof Fire Department and Polk County Fire Rescue after witnesses reported the drowning.
Within five minutes of deploying side-scan radar and an underwater drone, the PCSO Marine Unit located the victim’s body at the bottom of the lake, approximately 150 yards off shore.
The victim was identified as 52-year-old Pierre Richard Plourde.
“Pierre Plourde was with his family and friends on Lake Clinch having a great time when he tragically drowned,” said Sheriff Grady Judd. “First responders arrived quickly and utilized numerous resources. We worked diligently, and we found him… unfortunately, we couldn’t save his life.”
According to witnesses, Plourde beached his boat near the boat ramp and walked to a pavilion. A short time later, Plourde noticed his boat was drifting away, so he went into the water to retrieve his boat.
The witnesses said they heard Plourde in distress, and he began screaming for help, until he disappeared into the water.
A death investigation is ongoing according to local law enforcement.
