Darren Kemp dies in fatal Vermont drowning.
Fatal Lake Champlain drowning death of Darren Kemp.
Vermont authorities confirmed on Wednesday that a man from South Africa, Darren Kemp, a 30-year-old employed at the Basin Harbor Club for the summer, drowned in Lake Champlain near Vergennes. The incident occurred late Tuesday night, prompting an urgent response from Vermont State Police.
Initial reports stated the man was in his early 20s, but subsequent identification corrected his age to 30 and confirmed his nationality. He was last seen swimming off the coast of the Basin Harbor Club around 9:25 p.m., and rescue teams arrived shortly after he failed to resurface.
By 10:10 p.m., efforts to save Mr. Kemp were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. His body is being transported to the state medical examiner’s office in Burlington for a full autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. Police have stated there are no signs of foul play, and the death is currently being treated as an accidental drowning.
Emergency responders included fire departments from Addison, Charlotte, Ferrisburgh, and Vergennes, as well as the Vergennes Area Rescue Squad. No further information about the circumstances or the victim’s background was released by the authorities.
The Basin Harbor Club, a popular summer destination, remains operational, but Mr. Kemp’s untimely demise has left the community mourning. His family, who had traveled from South Africa for the summer season, expressed shock at the tragic loss.
Investigators are reviewing the circumstances leading to the drowning, including whether safety measures were in place. The cold water temperature and the possibility of exhaustion or panic are being considered as contributing factors.
This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with swimming in open water, particularly in cooler conditions like Lake Champlain. Authorities urge beachgoers to exercise caution and adhere to safety guidelines to prevent similar tragedies.
