Drowning victim’s body recovered, ID’d

The body of a 46-year old Houston man who drowned at Lake Conroe on Saturday has been recovered and identified.

Robert O. Walker jumped off a personal watercraft near East Beach to try to swim the rest of the way to shore. After he became distressed, nearby boaters unsuccessfully tried rescuing him. Lake patrol deputies responded around 4:40 p.m., according to the Montgomery County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office.

Walker’s body was located by sonar technology, submerged in 13 feet of water. Several agencies, including Precinct 1’s marine division and dive team and game wardens with the Texas Parks and Wildlife, helped with the search.

“Constable (Philip) Cash wishes to express his condolences to the family in this time of grief,” read a statement from Precinct 1. “Constable Cash wants everyone to enjoy Lake Conroe responsibly. Boaters are asked to familiarize themselves with the (San Jacinto River Authority) Rules and Safe Operation of their vessel before going (into) the water. Everyone who uses the lake is encouraged to always wear a (personal flotation device) when entering the water.”

This drowning marks Lake Conroe’s first fatality for 2020. Last year’s first drowning did not take place until mid-June. With two reported drownings, summer 2019 on Lake Conroe was the safest on record in years, according to officials who patrol the popular lake.

Also on Saturday, a man was reported missing after going swimming on Somerville Lake in Burleson County, northwest of Houston.