Teen’s body recovered from Central Florida lake after jet-ski accident

POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A Polk County teenager died overnight after deputies say he fell while riding a jet-ski in a local lake.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

Polk County deputies responded to Lake Clinch in Frostproof just before  8:30 p.m. Sunday for reports of a boating accident

Deputies say the driver of the jet-ski, identified as 17-year-old Jose Torres, made an abrupt turn, throwing him and his 15-year-old passenger into the water.

READ: Brevard County school leaders look to increase bus driver pay by $5

According to the sheriff’s office, the passenger was wearing a life jacket and was able to swim back to the jet-ski, but couldn’t find Torres.

The Frostproof Fire Department and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission also responded to search for Torres.

READ: Tourist sub goes missing near Titanic wreck

With the help of an underwater drone, deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit and Underwater Search and Recovery Team found Torres’ body just after midnight in approximately 20 feet of water. He was not wearing a life jacket.

Deputies say Torres appears to have drowned, but it will be up to the Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the exact cause of death.

READ: Stalled contract jeopardizes relations between new Disney governing body and firefighters

“Our thoughts and  prayers are with Jose’s family and loved ones,” Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said in a statement. “This is a tragic accident and a stark reminder that life jackets save lives. Please, when out on the water, wear a life jacket.”

Torres was a student at Ridge Technical College.

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

©2023 Cox Media Group