Three people who drowned Saturday in the Caloosahatchee River identified. Here's what we know
This story has been updated to identify the third victim.
The Lee County Sheriff's Office has identified Santos Tiul-Chen, 17; Victor Pedro-Gaspar, 19, and Pedro Miguel Pascual, 21, as the three people who drowned on Saturday in the river near the Franklin Lock in Olga.
Two of the victims were identified by the sheriff's office Monday morning; the third Monday afternoon.
The drownings happened when two of the drowning victims attempted to rescue the first victim, the sheriff's office said in an emailed statement Monday morning.
Since the drownings, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which operates the lock and the nearby recreation area, is prohibiting swimming at the site.
Saturday's drownings in the Caloosahatchee River near the Franklin Locks
Saturday afternoon, Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno’s X page described an active scene involving three people who went underwater in the area of the Franklin Lock park.
Though life-saving measures were taken, all three died. Next of kin have been notified.
Investigation finds cause of drownings
The sheriff's office said Monday morning that its investigation revealed that Tiul-Chen, who had no swimming experience, entered the water and began struggling. The water in the area is approximately 10 feet deep.
Pascual jumped in to assist Tiul-Chen but began struggling as well, the sheriff's office said.
Pedro-Gaspar soon entered the water to help the other two, as all three victims went under the water and did not resurface.
A fourth person also entered to assist the three individuals but made it back on shore, later being transported to the hospital.
Franklin Lock park restrictions
The WP Franklin South Recreation Area is adjacent to the WP Franklin Lock and Dam, and a popular spot for boating, canoeing and kayaking as well as other outdoor activities, according to Recreation.gov. In addition to a camping site, family-friendly activities include volleyball and horseshoe courts, a playground, and several covered picnic spots, according to the site.
The park, which was closed Saturday during the emergency, has reopened.
However, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has placed restrictions and safety measures at the park following the drownings.
Amanda Parker, deputy chief of the corporate communications office, wrote in an email statement that swimming at WP Franklin South is now prohibited while the agency reexamines best safety practices.
"Temporary signs have been placed throughout the recreation area in English and Spanish," Parker wrote. "Rangers and volunteers have increased patrols along the shoreline."
Florida ranks first among 50 states in child drowning deaths and fourth overall for every age; only Hawaii, Alaska and Montana have more.
Reporter Diana Biederman contributed to this report
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Alva drownings: 3 victims who died in Caloosahatchee River identified
