Body of 14-year-old boy recovered after boat capsizes in Astor

ASTOR, Fla. — Rescue crews recovered the body of a 14-year-old boy after a boat capsized on the water in Astor in Lake County about 8 p.m. Thursday.

Authorities said the 14-year-old died while he and two other teens were swimming back to shore.

Investigators said the teen started to struggle and yelled for the other two to help him. They said by the time the boys turned back to grab him, he was underwater.

A resident on Sunset Drive called authorities after one of the victims ran to his door saying his boat capsized on Lake Schimmerhorn.

The teen who died was one of three boys in the boat, one of whom was his brother, authorities said.

“It’s just, it’s tough. This is a tough situation,” said FWC officer Greg Workman.  “By the time they turned back the boy was underwater.”

Skywitness 9 HD was over the scene during the frantic search, which started just before 5 p.m.

The tragedy unfolded down a private road where many locals know each other. Several neighbors said they knew the young boy.

“He’s a local. I’ve known his family all my life. It’s a tragedy. (He was) my daughter’s friend,” said Stephanie Elder.

Another neighbor said he went to school with the teen.

“He lived right up the road. We rode the bus together,” said Matthew Long.

Officials have not said if the boys were wearing life vests or if there were any present on the boat.

“We’ll know more about this tragic event as soon as we can put all the pieces together,” Workman said.

Authorities said they do not think alcohol played a role in the incident.

The name of the victim was not released.

WFTV