Guatemalan Willy Freddy Chavez Perez drowns in Lake Michigan

Willy Freddy Chavez Perez lost his life

The events occurred in Lake Michigan

The family opened a GoFundMe asking for support

Last Saturday, Willy Freddy Chavez Perez drowned in Kent Lake, located in Martindale Beach at Kensington Metropark in Milford Township.

This tragic event adds to a series of drowning incidents that have shocked the community in the Detroit metropolitan area.

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard called the incident “a tragic accident that has become all too frequent,” said Detroit Free Press.

In a press release, Bouchard expressed concern about the increase in drownings and stressed the importance of water safety.

WILLY FREDDY CHÁVEZ PÉREZ LOST HIS LIFE IN LAKE MICHIGAN

Photo: Shutterstock

“A source of great fun and joy can become a site of tragedy, as we have seen far too often on our lakes this summer,” Bouchard said.

«I encourage people to have emergency devices, such as flotation devices, on hand and to keep an eye on each other while in the water.»

«If you’re not a strong swimmer, it’s a good idea to use a flotation device,» the county sheriff said after the man’s death.

On Saturday around 6 p.m., the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team received an initial report indicating that a child may have fallen into the water at Kent Lake.

What did the authorities say about this?

Upon arriving at the scene, rescuers discovered the Detroit teen was swimming with a friend when he began struggling in the water and submerged himself in the designated swimming area.

Investigating authorities believe the victim may have tried to grab onto a nearby buoy but was unable to do so.

The situation was further complicated by the language barrier, as the drowned man’s friend did not speak English.

This made it difficult to communicate with others on the shore about the emergency, the news portal said.

What happened to the young man?

Through the donation page, it was revealed that Chávez Pérez was found in the lake and after that, they told what happened to the Guatemalan.

«His body was unfortunately found lifeless, after a long search in the lake,» said Alex Núñez Rentas, who created the GoFundMe.

«Willy, his brother and his brother’s friends decided to go to the park to have a relaxing afternoon,» the young man said.

«(He) went swimming with his brother’s friends and suddenly felt short of breath from swimming so much, his brother’s friend noticed and tried to help him.»

«It was too late»

Núñez Rentas said that Chávez had been seeking help from one of his friends, but was unable to receive support because he was also experiencing difficulties.

«But as he was also tired from swimming, he went out for help but unfortunately, it was too late to rescue Willy,» he reported.

The young man also said that the authorities managed to recover Willy’s body and shortly after, they confirmed the loss at the hospital where he was admitted.

«After the rescue of Willy’s lifeless body, the body was taken to Ascension Providence Hospital Novi Campus«.

What do relatives ask for?

In the message shared by Willy’s loved one, he explained that the young man’s main goal was to study medicine in the United States.

For that reason he ended up living in Michigan and was working to send it to his parents, who remain in Guatemala and wish to have their son’s body.

«Both of Willy’s parents live in Guatemala. The parents wish to celebrate a mass in their country, with the body present,» was said. TO SEE DONATIONS, CLICK HERE HERE.

«The cost of sending his body to Guatemala, where family and friends are waiting with broken hearts to say their last goodbyes, is $8,485.20 USD. The donations received here will be used for these funeral expenses,» was concluded.

CLICK ON THE PHOTO TO LISTEN TO THE PODCAST