Man Drowns While Trying to Chase After Boat That Was Drifting Away

Authorities said a 52-year-old man drowned as he was trying to swim after his boat.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) identified the victim in a news release as Pierre Richard Plourde of Frostproof, Fla.

The department said the incident occurred on the afternoon of Sunday, Sept. 14, at Lake Clinch in Frostproof. First responders arrived at the lake’s boat ramp after witnesses reported a drowning. 

“Pierre Plourde was with his family and friends on Lake Clinch having a great time when he tragically drowned,”  Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said, per the news release. “First responders arrived quickly and utilized numerous resources. We worked diligently, and we found him… unfortunately, we couldn’t save his life.”

In a video posted by his department on social media, Judd further explained that Plourde beached his boat near a ramp. He was at a pavilion when he noticed the boat floating out into the water. 

“He ran down,” Judd said of Plourde, “got into the lake and was swimming to the boat when he went under.”

Judd added that a friend tried to rescue the victim and that witnesses heard Plourde screaming for help until he disappeared in the water.

The PCSO marine unit found Plourde’s body at the bottom of the lake, about 150 yards off shore, through side-scan radar and an underwater drone.

“Unfortunately, we couldn’t save his life,” Judd said in the video. “It’s a tragedy on a Sunday afternoon in Frostproof.”

The PCSO said it is conducting an investigation into Plourde’s death.

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Located in central Florida, the city of Frostproof has a population of 2,877, according to U.S. Census data.