Missing 15-year-old recovered in Lake Ray Hubbard was taken by a wave, family says
DALLAS (CBSNewsTexas.com) – The body of a missing 15-year-old was recovered from Lake Ray Hubbard over the weekend.
The boy's family said they rented a boat Friday night around 9:00. Less than two hours later, search teams were looking for 15-year-old Phat Duy Nguyen in the lake. Family members say he was known as Andy and attended Rowlett High School.
The family, along with a captain, drove the boat to Terry Park to swim. Andy, they say, knew how to swim and was not wearing a life vest.
According to the family, Andy was taken away by a wave and the family notified police immediately.
Dallas Fire-Rescue began searching around 10:45 p.m. and continued searching with other agencies on Saturday and Sunday.
DPD said the 15-year-old's body was recovered around 12:20 Sunday afternoon near the south end of Lake Ray Hubbard.
Boaters said this tragedy is a reminder to everyone to exercise extra caution, especially over a holiday weekend.
"Just be careful," said boater Clint Nolen. "It's not worth it. Wear your life jacket. Be safe. We're all out here to have fun, and have a good time, and be safe, and get home safely."
Texas law requires children under age 13 to wear a life jacket. Everyone else must have a properly fitting life jacket that's easily accessible.
"It speaks of water safety," boater Michael Dawdy said. "Life jackets are a necessity ... Don't take it for granted."
There are extra counselors at Rowlett High School to support students. They will also be visiting classes that Andy was enrolled in to tell his classmates directly.
"It is with a broken heart that GISD shares that one of our students from Rowlett High School passed away in a boating accident this past weekend," a spokesperson for Garland ISD said. "Our deepest sympathies are with the student's family and everyone at Rowlett HS who knew the student. Currently, GISD is withholding the name of the student since they are a minor."
Police say the investigation is ongoing.
