Coldwater, MI - Authorities and emergency workers in Branch County responded to a drowning incident Thursday night.

The initial report came just before 6:30 p.m. in reference to a man who had been kayaking in the channel between South and Cemetery Lakes on the west side of Coldwater. Witnesses told 9-1-1 dispatchers a male subject overturned his kayak and did not surface after entering the water. Rescue efforts were attempted by witnesses and Coldwater Police Officers but conditions proved to be difficult.

Assistance was requested by the Branch County Sheriff’s Department dive team and marine patrol, along with a helicopter from the Michigan State Police. After approximately 3 hours of search and rescue efforts, a male’s body was pulled from approximately 20 feet of water at around 9:30 p.m.

The male victim has been identified as 26 year old Alec Walter Beaumont of Sherwood, Michigan.

Assisting in rescue efforts were the Coldwater Fire Department, Quincy Fire Department, Branch County Sheriff’s Department, Lifecare and the Michigan State Police.

Although authorities did not list the swift water current of the channel as a factor this tragedy, with the extra rain we have had in the tri-state, lake and river levels throughout the region are high. Many area authorities have advised kayakers and people in canoes to be aware of fast flowing waters.