A day of fun in the sun at North Fork Beach turned tragic after a Grayson County teenager drowned while swimming across Rough River Lake.
The McDaniels Fire Department requested divers from the Leitchfield Fire Department at approximately 5:15 Monday night to locate a teen, 18-year-old Bryan Sadler, of Falls of Rough, who went under the water while swimming with his co-workers from McDonald’s (Leitchfield, South Main St. location), who were enjoying an outing together.
LFD diver Steve Stapleton, along with help from a depth finder, located Sadler’s body at about 6:30 Monday night, according to Leitchfield Fire Chief Tim Duvall.
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife officials said Sadler had swam the roughly 200 yards across Rough River Lake and was on his way back to the beach area when, just as he reached the cordoned off section of water, he began to struggle. A friend swam to Sadler and attempted to help him, but as boats continued to travel near the area, Sadler was pulled under the water.
He was pronounced dead by the Breckinridge County Coroner’s Office.
Sadler graduated from Grayson County High School in May, where he played on the football team.
In addition to Stapleton, several LFD firefighters responded to the scene, including diver Brian Jaggers, who also searched the waters for the victim, according to Duvall. The Falls of Rough Fire Department also responded.
The Breckinridge Count Sheriff’s Office and Hardinsburg Police Department assisted at the scene.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com or 270-259-6000
