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BENJAMIN — A 4-year-old boy was flown to Primary Children's Medical Center Friday after family members found him floating face-down in Utah Lake.
The boy was fishing at Lincoln Beach on the southeastern side of the lake with his family, but no one saw him go in the water, officials said.
"The father was out on the dike fishing, and just probably about 100 or so yards away mother was with the kids playing," said Utah County Sheriff's Sgt. Erik Knutzen.
But amid the fun, the little boy disappeared among the scrub oak. Once they realized he was missing, his family frantically began searching -- and make a horrifying discovery.
"Looks like he may have slipped on a rock and fell into the water," Knutzen said. "(His) parents couldn't find him immediately. A passerby stopped by to help look for him, and that's when they found him face-down in the water."
Those on the scene performed CPR, but when sheriff's deputies arrived they still couldn't find the boy's heartbeat.
Knutzen said the boy is now listed in critical condition at Primary Children's Medical Center and has not regained consciousness.
"You can lose a kid so quickly out here," Knutzen said, "and this water is cold, and it can definitely take your breath away when you fall in, so be careful."
Authorities have not yet released the boy's name, nor have they said where he and his family are from.
The little boy was not wearing a life jacket.
We will continue to follow developments in this story through the weekend and bring you those updates ksl.com, KSL TV and KSL Newsradio 102.7FM/1160AM.
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Story written with contributions from Amanda Verzello and Jennifer Stagg.
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