Man in Lake McConaughy drowning identified

Armando Marroquin, 38, of Houston, Texas, has been identified as the man recovered Aug. 18 from Lake McConaughy in Keith County.

An autopsy confirmed Marroquin drowned at the reservoir. The incident remains under investigation.

“Our thoughts are with Armando’s relatives at this time,” said Travis Shepler, Law Enforcement Assistant Administrator for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. “It is always tragic to lose a life on the water.”

Nebraska Game and Parks conservation officers received a report Aug. 17 of an overturned kayak and potential drowning near the Lemoyne Bay boat ramp. Along with local emergency responders and law enforcement, they began a search and rescue effort. Marroquin was not found until Aug. 18.

Game and Parks conservation officers encourage people who boat, kayak or paddleboard to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket whenever they are on the water. A life jacket is required to be on board for each person on the vessel, and children age 12 and under must wear a properly sized personal floatation device at all times.

Find additional water safety tips and boating regulations at OutdoorNebraska.gov.