Search teams recover body of 62-year-old man from Benbrook Lake
BENBROOK, Texas - Search teams have recovered the body of a 62-year-old Fort Worth man who went missing after slipping underwater at Benbrook Lake on Sunday evening, authorities confirmed Monday morning.
The victim has been identified as Freddy Ferrer Bracamonte.
According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and local officials, the incident began around 6 p.m. Sunday, July 12, when witnesses reported seeing Ferrer go underwater in a designated swimming area near Mustang Park on the lake's west side. He failed to resurface, triggering what became a massive emergency response.
The Search and Recovery
Following the initial emergency calls, Texas Game Wardens in Tarrant County responded alongside personnel from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tarrant County Emergency Services District #1, and the Benbrook Fire Department. A Fort Worth Police Department helicopter, Air 1, also assisted from above.
Crews spent hours combing the water near the Mustang Park boat ramp before suspending operations at 9:30 p.m. Sunday night due to darkness.
Search efforts resumed first thing Monday morning, with Texas Game Wardens receiving assistance from Tarrant County Fire, the Fort Worth Fire Department, and specialized dive teams.
Officials confirmed that Ferrer’s body was successfully recovered from the lake shortly after 9:30 a.m. on Monday, July 13.
What they're saying:
Benbrook Lake is located southwest of Fort Worth in Tarrant County. State and local authorities have extended their condolences to those who knew the victim following the tragic outcome.
"Our thoughts are with Mr. Ferrer’s family and friends during this difficult time," the Texas Game Wardens said in a statement.
The Source: Information in this article is from Texas Game Wardens and Tarrant County Sheriff's Office.