Police Identify 21-Year-Old Drowning Victim in Temple, Texas

Temple, Texas police have released the identify of a man who drowned at Temple Lake Park Monday evening (August 8).

In a news release issued this afternoon, the drowned man was identified as 21-year-old Jared Gomez. Police had been waiting until they'd notified his next of kin before releasing his name to the public.

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Kiara Nowlin with the City of Temple reported Monday that police were dispatched to Temple Lake Park at 10:25 AM Monday.

Witnesses said they'd seen a young man go into the water, but never emerge. Some people entered the water to try to save him, but were not able to.

Temple Fire and Rescue, Morgan's Point Resort Dive Team, the Army Corps of Engineers, and Texas Parks and Wildlife crew assisted Temple PD in searching for the victim, who was recovered from the water at 1:28 PM.

Justice of the Peace Keith Reed pronounced him dead at the scene.

Police didn't say if Gomez was wearing a life vest when he entered the water.

I can't stress enough how important it is to have that life vest on, whether you're just swimming with friends, kayaking, or boating and fishing out on our local lakes. It's easy to get tired in this heat and while swimming, and it's also easy to slip and fall out of a boat with no easy way back up.

Always let someone back on shore know where and when you're going to the lake, and to call for help if they don't hear from you. Boaters, have a float plan detailing where you plan to be and leave it with someone you trust to call if there's a problem or they don't hear from you.

Our local lakes are a blessing, but they can be a curse if you don't have safety in mind when you visit.