Jeffrey Marrero, 34, and Orlando Ortiz, 32, are presumed drowned after jumping into Lake Eloise in Winter Haven, Florida, to rescue Ortiz's girlfriend, officials said.
in Florida
are missing in a possible double drowning after a mishap with the vessel’s anchor while sailing on the choppy waters of a lake over the weekend, authorities said. Jeffrey Marrero, 34, and Orlando Ortiz, 32, remain missing after jumping into the water of Lake Eloise near the Legoland theme park in Winter Haven to rescue Ortiz’s girlfriend, 38-year-old Velcky Velasquez, theThe couple rented a 16-foot Tahoe ski boat to celebrate their one-year anniversary with Marrero and his two daughters, ages 10 and 8, the sheriff’s office said.
"They had to take a class to rent the boat, and they successfully took the class," Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd told reporters.However, the problems began when Velazquez jumped into the water with the anchor, according to Judd, who said the lake was rough with 20 mph winds and "She's just very inexperienced, so she thinks that you have to get into the water, put the anchor in and then tie it to the boat," the sheriff said.As Velasquez was in the water, officials said the boat began to float away and the two men jumped in to help her. However, the men were not strong swimmers and wound up going underwater.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
New College of Florida Is DeSantis’s Launchpad for Attack on Higher EducationGov. Ron DeSantis has appointed six trustees to the New College of Florida to quash its progressive curriculum.
Read more »
1 dead, 1 hurt after spring break shooting in FloridaGunfire erupted in an area of Miami Beach crowded with people on spring break, killing one person, wounding another and sending dozens scrambling for safety, police said.
Read more »
Florida House passes school voucher expansionThe Republican-controlled House on Friday passed a measure that would make every Florida student eligible for taxpayer-backed school vouchers, as Democrats and other critics slammed the expansion as a “coupon for millionaires.”
Read more »
Florida may ban girls’ period talk in elementary gradesLegislation moving in the Florida House would ban discussion of menstrual cycles and other human sexuality topics in elementary grades.
Read more »
VIDEO: Family vacationing in Florida catches great white sharkA vacationing family went fishing in Florida and was shocked to reel in a great white shark.
Read more »