Boater dies after jumping into reservoir to rescue drowning child, Utah officials say

A 34-year-old man died after jumping into reservoir water to save a child struggling to stay afloat, Utah officials said.

Dustin Peterson was boating with his family and friends Wednesday at Red Fleet State Park when a child in his group began struggling in the water, Utah State Parks said. He jumped from the boat and into the water to help get the child to safety.

“With Peterson’s assistance, the child was able to be pulled back onto the boat to safety,” Utah State Parks said in a news release. “However, Peterson was unable to remain afloat and keep his head above water. Members of his group then called for help.”

Neither Peterson nor the child was wearing a life jacket, officials said. A search effort for Peterson by multiple Utah public safety teams began quickly after his friends and family called for help, officials said.

“Around 10 p.m., the DPS Dive Team identified a possible sighting and the Utah State Parks ROV team confirmed the sighting to be that of Peterson’s body,” Utah State Parks said. “The body was resting in approximately 40 feet of water. The ROV team secured the body until the Uintah County Dive Team could locate and bring it to the surface.”

The incident is still under investigation, and officials did not give Peterson’s cause of death.