A family in Utah was attempting to enjoy the last days of summer when the day ended in tragedy. Three-year-old Walter Greer was on a boat with his family on the Echo Reservoir at Echo State Park when he fell into the water.
He was then struck by a propeller at the back of the vessel, officials said. Walter was wearing a life jacket, but by the time the toddler was retrieved from the water, he was already dead.
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The incident took place on Sunday, August 13.
Park rangers reported to the scene just before 4:45 p.m. on Sunday, August 13. They had just received reports about a boat accident. "The child was wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident," Utah State Parks spokesperson Devan Chavez told KUTV. “So there wasn't a recovery process."
In a press release, officials extended their “condolences to the family and to all those grieving at this difficult time.”
“This is just the last thing a family wants to see happen when they come to a state park or reservoir or anything like that," the spokesperson added.
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The boy's death is still being investigated.
Officials with the Utah State Parks and the Utah State Bureau of Investigation were working the scene into Sunday evening, and the incident is still under investigation.
Another person who was also on the reservoir spending the day with his family described the incident as “gut wrenching.”
The Greer family described Walter as an absolute joy who loved Spider Man.
The Greer family, who are from Salt Lake City, released a statement of their own to NBC affiliate KSLTV.
“We are devastated to be saying goodbye to our darling Walter so unexpectedly. Walter was an absolute joy who loved Spiderman, trains, trucks and his red boots. We are so blessed to have Walter as a forever part of our family. He is so loved and we hold his memory close until we meet again. — The Greer Family.”
A GoFundMe has been launched on behalf of the family.
While the investigation is ongoing, police don’t suspect foul play. They’ve called the incident an “unfortunate and tragic accident.”
A GoFundMe account has been launched to help cover the funeral and medical expenses as well as counseling. At the time of publication, the fundraiser has more than doubled its $10,000 goal.
