LOUISA COUNTY, Virginia (WWBT/Gray News) – A father and son tragically drowned in Lake Anna over Memorial Day weekend, and Virginia authorities are investigating the incident.
According to the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office, the drownings occurred around 1:00 p.m. on Saturday. Officers were initially dispatched to the lake following a report of a child drowning.
While en route, officers received information that the boy’s father had entered the water in an attempt to rescue his son. Witnesses reported that the father began struggling in the water and eventually disappeared from sight.
Family members identified the victims as Matthew Atchley, 42, and his 14-year-old son, Tyler Atchley. They were reportedly attending a graduation party at the time of the incident.
Authorities said several people entered the water in a desperate attempt to locate the father and son, but were unsuccessful. Several rescue teams, including team divers, rushed to the scene and were eventually able to recover the bodies.
The causes of death of both the father and son are currently pending. The Louisa County Sheriff’s Office has stated that foul play is not suspected in this tragic incident.