Winter Haven, FL – A tragic boating accident on Lake Roy has resulted in the recovery of a 12-year-old boy’s body, identified as Noah Gomez. The incident occurred earlier today, March 20, 2025, prompting a swift response from multiple agencies.
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According to Sheriff Grady Judd, Noah Gomez was on the boat with his father, his 9-year-old brother, and his 10 year old cousin, when the incident occurred. The father had taken the boys out for a day of boating, swimming, and fishing. While on the lake, they decided to go for a swim. Upon entering the lake for a swim, the kids immediately had difficulty swimming. The father managed to help the younger boys onto the boat. He then jumped into the lake and attempted to help his 12 year old son. During his heroic efforts, Noah, who was clinging to his father’s back, slipped off and submerged. Sheriff Judd noted that no one on the boat was wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident.
Initial reports indicated that Noah was unaccounted following the incident, sparking an intensive search effort by local authorities. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office deployed their marine unit, utilizing advanced underwater sonar technology, drones, and helicopters, to locate and recover Noah’s body from Lake Roy this afternoon.
Nothing further at this time.
