Emergency crews are set to resume their search operations on Monday morning for a man who disappeared in Benbrook Lake after attempting to rescue a child on Saturday. The search has faced significant challenges due to high winds and a lake bed filled with submerged trees.
The identity of the missing man has not been disclosed by state officials to protect the family’s privacy during this distressing time. The search, now in its third day, has been complicated by hazardous underwater conditions and turbulent weather, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
The incident occurred around 1 p.m. on Saturday in Tarrant County. Local game wardens were dispatched following reports of a potential drowning. Witnesses stated that two men jumped from a boat to assist a child in distress; while one man managed to return safely, the other went under and did not resurface.
Initial search efforts concentrated on the northeast side of the lake near Longhorn Park Drive. However, strong winds and choppy waters quickly hindered these early search attempts.
On Sunday, specialized teams, including the Texas Game Warden Underwater Search and Recovery Team and personnel from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, combed the area with divers. Officials reported that ongoing high winds and an overwhelming number of submerged trees made progress slow.
Operations were suspended on Sunday night at 9 p.m., with plans to recommence at 8 a.m. on Monday.
This tragic incident is part of a broader pattern of fatalities on Texas waterways during the past weekend. Multiple water-related deaths have been reported statewide, prompting agencies to emphasize public safety as the Independence Day holiday approaches.
Data from Texas Parks and Wildlife indicates that in 2025, there were 178 reported boating incidents, resulting in 50 fatalities and 77 serious injuries. Alarmingly, approximately 84 percent of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets.
Authorities are advising all lake visitors to adopt essential safety measures. These include wearing U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets, abstaining from alcohol or drugs while operating vessels, closely supervising children, utilizing engine cut-off switches, and staying alert to rapidly changing weather conditions.
