Dad Sees His Son Struggling in the Lake, Jumps in To Save Him & Both Wind Up Drowning

Steven W. Atchley/Facebook

A Pennsylvania family was reportedly visiting Virginia to celebrate a loved one’s graduation over Memorial Day weekend when an unthinkable tragedy changed their lives forever. Tyler Atchley, 14, was apparently struggling in the water in Lake Anna on May 25 when his father spotted him and knew he had to help. Matthew Atchley, 42, jumped in the water, and sadly, witnesses lost sight of him shortly afterward.

According to a news release from the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office, multiple people rushed into the water hoping to save the father and son but could not rescue them. Their bodies were pulled from the water, and they were pronounced dead at the scene. Loved ones created a GoFundMe account to help ease the pain for Susan Atchley, a mother and wife left behind.

The drowning occurred in the middle of the afternoon.

According to the sheriff’s office, Tyler Atchley began struggling in the water around 1 p.m., and witnesses called 911 for help. While crews were en route to Lake Anna, they received an alert that Matthew Atchley had gone into the water to help his son.

“It was reported that witnesses observed the father struggling, just before losing sight of him as well. Several people went into the water in an attempt to locate them but were unsuccessful,” the release reads.

Multiple agencies responded to help find the victims.

Emergency personnel from the LCSO Marine Units, Mineral Volunteer Fire, Lake Anna Volunteeer Rescue, Department of Wildlife Resources, and Spotsylvania County Fire & EMS Dive Team members worked together to recover Tyler and Matthew’s bodies, the sheriff's office reported. The victims were taken to the medical examiner in Richmond; the sheriff's office said it does not suspect foul play.

The drowning shocked the victims’ family.

Matthew Atchley’s cousin, Heidi Johnson, told Fox 66 she was in disbelief when she heard about the drownings.

“I just kept asking her, are you sure? Are you messing with me? Are you sure? And she said, ‘no, I am not.’ I just lost it," she said. "Losing a husband and a son all at one time is very unreal. He would do anything for anybody; he had more love for you than anybody in this entire world. He and his son both would give the biggest hugs and supported you no matter what you were like at all.”

Tyler Atchley’s school community is mourning his death.

According to a release from Kelly Hess, Harbor Creek School District superintendent, obtained by Fox 66, the school community was shocked to hear about the accident.

“It is with a heavy heart that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of one of our Junior High students and his father while on vacation out of town. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the family and friends during this unimaginably difficult time," the statement reads. "In the wake of this tragedy, the district has arranged to have additional counselors available to talk with students about normal responses to grief. Additional counselors will be available whenever needed. On behalf of Harbor Creek, we once again extend our sincere condolences to the family on this tragic event.”

Loved ones have created a GoFundMe account for Susan Atchley.

Sabrina Griffin-Myers wrote on the fundraiser site that she created it to ease Susan Atchley's financial burden as she makes final arrangements for her husband and son.

“On Saturday May 25, 2024, the Atchley family suffered 2 tragic losses. While on vacation at Lake Anna in Virgina, Tyler, 14, started to drown. Matt, 41, jumped into the lake to save his son," she wrote on the page. "Ultimately, both of them lost their lives. Multiple people tried to help them but were unable. These 2 beautiful souls were taken from their family way to soon."

The fundraiser has surpassed its original $20,000 goal with more than $26,500 in donations raised thus far.