News Summary

A search operation is currently in progress for a missing swimmer at an Oakland County lake in White Lake Township following a drowning incident on July 5. The unidentified man was last seen entering the lake near the shore and did not resurface. Authorities are concerned about recent drowning incidents in the area and emphasize water safety. The search efforts are being supported by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office and local dive teams as investigations into related drowning fatalities continue.

White Lake Township, Michigan – A search operation is currently underway for a swimmer reported missing at an Oakland County lake in White Lake Township following a drowning incident on Saturday, July 5. The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team has mobilized resources, supported by the Southeast Michigan Dive Group, to locate the missing individual.

The swimmer, a man whose identity has not yet been disclosed, was last seen going into the lake approximately 40 feet from the shore shortly after 7 p.m. He did not resurface after entering the water, and it remains unclear how he came to be in the lake at that location. Authorities have indicated that he was likely not wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident.

This tragic event follows a series of drowning incidents over the July 4 holiday weekend, raising concerns about water safety in the region. On the same day, police confirmed the deaths of two men in separate drowning incidents, both of which occurred in close proximity to White Lake Township.

An 86-year-old man named Gerald Vernus Burge from Springfield Township was found deceased in a pond after being reported missing earlier on July 5. Burge, who suffered from dementia, was last seen around 5 p.m. and was located by divers in approximately seven feet of water.

Another victim, identified as Jason Dwane Brookshire, 49, entered White Lake from a boat and also never resurfaced. His body was recovered late Saturday night in seven feet of water, around 100 feet from shore among thick underwater vegetation. Authorities suspect that alcohol may have played a significant role in Brookshire’s drowning, and investigations into both incidents are ongoing.

In a separate incident in Independence Township, a 21-year-old man was reported missing while swimming in Townsend Lake with a friend. Despite being physically fit and having a history of swimming across the lake, the young man went underwater and did not resurface. His body was later recovered about 100 feet from the shore, resting in 20 feet of water.

The sheriff’s office has noted a concerning uptick in drowning incidents this summer, which they attribute to warmer weather drawing more people to local lakes and waterways. The incidents have shocked the community in Independence Township, particularly given the comparatively small size of Townsend Lake.

As the search for the missing swimmer continues, local authorities are urging the public to prioritize safety in and around water this season, emphasizing the importance of life jackets and awareness of potential risks associated with swimming, especially in lakes.

With ongoing investigations into the recent drowning fatalities, the community is coming together to mourn and support the families affected by these tragic events. Collaboration with rescue teams remains a critical aspect of the ongoing search efforts for the unidentified swimmer.

Authorities continue to provide updates on the situation as search efforts progress. The upcoming days are crucial in determining the outcome of the recovery operation, as family and friends hold onto hope for a safe resolution.