FROSTPROOF, Fla. — Deputies recovered a teenager who appeared to have drowned after being thrown from a jet ski Sunday night.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) said deputies were alerted around 8:20 p.m. by a second teenager who was also on the jet ski.
Mekhi Guillaume, 15, was riding on the jet ski alongside the driver, Jose Torres, 17, when Torres allegedly made an abrupt turn. This caused both teenagers to be ejected into the water of Lake Clinch in Frostproof.
Since Guillaume was wearing a life jacket, he was able to swim back to the jet ski. He began to look for Torres, who was not wearing a life jacket. Guillaume immediately called 911 when he was unable to find him.
Deputies, as well as the Frostproof Fire Department and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, arrived at the scene to search for Torres.
The PCSO Marine Unit and Underwater Search and Recovery Team used an underwater drone, which located Torres' body in about 20 feet of water just after midnight.
His body was taken to the Tenth District Medical Examiner's Office for an autopsy, which will be conducted later. While it appears he drowned, the medical examiner must determine his exact cause of death.
Torres was a student at Ridge Technical College.
"Our hearts hurt today for this loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with Jose's family and loved ones. This is a tragic accident and a stark reminder that life jackets save lives," Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said. "Please, when out on the water, wear a life jacket. It could save your life."
