LOUISA COUNTY, Va. — A bystander saved a 6-year-old boy's life after a kayak overturned in Lake Anna Tuesday evening, but authorities say a 35-year-old man died in the incident.
The Louisa County Sheriff’s Office, EMS crews and the Spotsylvania County Dive Team responded to the Lakeview Drive common area in the Aspen Hill Community around 8:05 p.m. for a report of a possible drowning just off the shore of Lake Anna.
Authorities identified the man as Andrew Glen Knight. Neighbors said the 6-year-old boy on the kayak was Knight's son.
A bystander noticed the pair in the water, came in with a boat and pulled the child out.
"That child owes his life to a concerned citizen," Lt. Chuck Love said.
Witnesses saw Knight try to push the kayak back toward the shore before he went underwater. The dive team recovered his body after about an hour of searching.
Neither Knight nor the child wore a life vest when the kayak overturned.
According to state law, all boats or kayaks are required to have a personal flotation device or life jacket for each passenger. Authorities noted it is especially important for places like Lake Anna, which can have fast-moving currents despite appearing still.
"It seems like every year we have one or two unfortunate incidents like this one," Love said. "We have responded to way too many of them."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Knight family and all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy," Louisa Sheriff Donald Lowe said. "We are grateful to the citizens and first responders who acted quickly in an effort to assist. 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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