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Whitehouse student dies in accidental drowning in Lake Tyler

The drowning happened at the public beach on Concession Road.

WHITEHOUSE, Texas — Rescuers recovered the body of victim who possibly drowned in Lake Tyler.

According to the Smith County Game Warden Captain Quint Balkcom, the body of a male, who was possibly a teenager, was recovered in Concession Bay. The warden did not identified the victim.

However, Whitehouse ISD later identified the victim on their Facebook page as junior Junior Ti’Auje’ Reaves.

The district says Reaves completed his day at school.

Important* Whitehouse ISD is saddened by the loss of one of our students. On Tuesday, April 9th, Whitehouse ISD Junior Ti'Auje' Reaves (T.J.) was involved in an accidental drowning on Lake Tyler...

The Game Warden says the victim attempted to swim out to a buoy and was overtaken. There was "little to no" current in the lake.

The Tyler Police Department and Smith County Sheriff's Office are also on the scene with the Smith County Game Warden.

Credit: KYTX

Authorities dispatched boats with sonar to take pictures of the bottom of the lake to locate the body. 

A UT Tyler Health helicopter was hovering above the lake to assist in the search.

Authorities believe the victim was below the water for about 45 minutes before being recovered.

Credit: KYTX

The Tyler Police Department is taking over the investigation.

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