An 84-year-old Quebec man died Sunday afternoon on the east shore of Isle La Motte in what Vermont State Police said appears to be an accidental drowning.
Lothar Frei of Kirkland, Quebec, was pulled unresponsive from the waters of Lake Champlain by family members and neighbors around 4:30 p.m., according to a state police press release.
Frei was swimming to a dock a short way from the shore when he went underwater. A family member on the shore who saw it happen called for help, and neighbors along the road responded to the scene, police said.
Frei was found in the water several minutes later and pulled to shore using a kayak, according to police. He was pronounced dead at the scene despite lifesaving efforts.
In addition to police and Alburgh Rescue, Grand Isle County State’s Attorney Doug DiSabito and an assistant state medical examiner responded to the scene. Frei’s body was taken to the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Burlington for an autopsy to officially determine the cause of death, police said.
— Ella Ruehsen
