LOUISA COUNTY, Va. (WWBT/Gray News) – A father and son tragically drowned at Lake Anna over Memorial Day weekend, and authorities in Virginia are currently investigating the incident.
According to the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office, the drownings occurred around 1 p.m. on Saturday. Deputies were initially dispatched to the lake following a report of a child drowning.
While on their way, deputies received information that the child’s father had entered the water in an attempt to rescue his son. Witnesses reported that the father began to struggle in the water and eventually disappeared from sight.
Family members identified the victims as 42-year-old Matthew Atchley and his 14-year-old son, Tyler Atchley. They were reportedly attending a graduation party at the time of the incident.
Authorities stated that several people entered the water in a desperate attempt to locate the father and son but were unsuccessful. Multiple rescue crews, including team divers, responded to the scene and were eventually able to recover the bodies.
The causes of death for both father and son are currently pending. The Louisa County Sheriff’s Office has stated that foul play is not suspected in this tragic incident.