Boy, 15, drowns in Eastern Wash. lake

By Associated Press

Summary

A 15-year-old boy has drowned after going for a swim with friends in a lake near Basin City, Wash.

Story Published: May 30, 2009 at 10:19 AM PST

Story Updated: May 30, 2009 at 10:19 AM PST

BASIN CITY, Wash. (AP) - A 15-year-old boy has drowned after going for a swim with friends in a lake near Basin City, Wash.

Authorities say Mere Flores was pronounced dead at 8:18 p.m. Friday by paramedics from Basin City. Franklin County deputy coroner Mavis Williams says the boy died of an accidental drowning.

The victim had just celebrated a birthday last weekend. He reportedly got off the school bus at least a couple hours earlier and decided to go swimming in Bailie Lake with friends.

Authorities say he was wearing jeans and a light shirt when he went under the water. Williams says a boy tried to help Flores but told sheriff's deputies it felt like his friend was being dragged down.

Williams says the victim was found in about six feet of water.

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