Hays County Sheriff’s Office Releases Identity Of Yesterday’s Drowning Victim

Staff Reports

The Hays County Sheriff’s Office held a press conference at the Hays County Law Enforcement Center to give an update on the investigation into the drowning at Five-Mile Dam yesterday.

Sheriff Gary Cutler identified the victim of yesterday’s drowning as 15-year-old Wyatt James Kunze of Lockhart.

Cutler said Kunze was swimming at the park at five-mile dam yesterday with his cousin when they decided to cross the Blanco River.

According to Cutler, Kunze and his cousin were not strong swimmers and made the decision to swim across the river; while crossing the river, Kunze began to struggle and ultimately went under.

Cutler said the young woman, who was a little older than Kunze, tried to save him but was unable. Kunze was recovered in about 10 to 20 feet depth of water a short distance down from where he went in.

Cutler said there was no alcohol or drugs suspected to be involved with the accident.

There have been seven drownings and three near-drownings at Dudley Johnson Park (5-Mile Dam) since 2003. Several signs are posted throughout the park warning visitors about swimming at their own risk.

“You need to know your swimming capabilities when you go swimming,” Cutler said. “You should never swim alone.”

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