Monterey, MA- On August 10th, Miguel Rodriguez Perez (21 years old: Mexican national) drowned in Lake Buel. On Sunday, Mr. Rodriguez Perez, an employee in the Camp Halfmoon kitchen, and two coworkers were swimming in the Camp Halfmoon swimming area of Lake Buel. While swimming from an inflatable water structure to the dock, Mr. Rodriguez Perez slipped below the surface about halfway into the swim. (The distance between the inflatable to the dock is approximately 20 to 25 feet. The area where he slipped below the surface is approximately 6 to 8 feet deep.) The two men swimming with him were unable to locate him. Mr. Rodriguez Perez was found approximately 10 to 20 minutes later submerged underneath the Camp Halfmoon dock ladder. CPR was immediately initiated. First responders arrived shortly thereafter.
Beyond those at the camp, other individuals out on the lake came to aid in the search and placed a 911 call.
Mr. Rodriguez Perez was transferred to Fairview Hospital and then transferred via a medical flight to Hartford Hospital. Mr. Rodriguez Perez was pronounced deceased early Monday (August 11th) morning. The Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has taken jurisdiction of the case.
The Berkshire State Police Detective Unit has been in contact with the Consulate General of Mexico in Boston. Monterey Police Department responded to the scene. The Berkshire State Police Detective Unit responded to the scene at 5:47pm.
For further information on timing of response, please contact the Monterey Police Department.