The boy and his father were not wearing life jackets when their kayak overturned, authorities said
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A young child survived a kayaking accident in Virginia that claimed the life of his father.
The drowning took place in the area of Lakeview Drive in Mineral, Va., on Tuesday, April 7, the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) said in a statement.
Deputies were dispatched to the Lakeview Drive common area at approximately 8:05 p.m. after receiving a report of a “possible drowning involving an overturned kayak.”
Police said that a 35-year-old man and a male child were on the kayak when it was overturned in the water and were not wearing a life vest. They were immediately spotted by a bystander, who safely assisted the boy into their boat.
According to the witness, the adult male was believed to be trying to push the kayak back toward the shore when he went underwater.
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Witesses at the scene attempted to locate him but eventually lost sight of him, police said.
The Spotsylvania County Dive Team was requested to assist with search operations, and approximately one hour after their search efforts began, they found the 35-year-old, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
The man was identified as Andrew Glen Knight, police said. The male child was Knight’s 6-year-old son, according to WTVR, citing neighbors.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Knight family and all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy,” LSCO Sheriff Donald Lowe said in a press statement.
“We are grateful to the citizens and first responders who acted quickly in an effort to assist,” he continued. “We ask that the community keep the family in their thoughts during this very difficult time. This incident also serves as an important reminder of the importance of wearing life jackets while on the water.”
The incident remains under active investigation.
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PEOPLE has reached out to the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office for comment.