GWINN — A teenage boy is dead after drowning while swimming with friends last week.

At approximately 5:30 p.m. on July 30, the Forsyth Township Police, Fire & EMS along with UP Health Systems – Marquette were dispatched to Mehl Lake in response to a report of a possible drowning involving a teenage male. Initial reports indicate that the teen had been pulled from the water by friends whom he had been swimming with.

The group of teenage boys had been swimming in Mehl Lake from the shore to a floating raft located 50 to 60 yards out. At some point the teenage victim became distressed and went underwater for several minutes.

The teenage friends were able to locate and pull the victim from the water to shore where, along with a resident who observed the incident, began initial lifesaving actions and summoned for help.

Upon arrival of Forsyth Township Fire & EMS, immediate resuscitation efforts were performed. However, the teenage male victim was unable to be revived.

“On behalf of the Forth Township Police & Emergency Services team, I would like to extend our most sincere condolences to the family during this difficult time,” said Forsyth Township Chief of Police Brian Kjellin in a press release. “We stand alongside them and the community as they navigate this tremendous loss.”