AMELIA, Va. – A 25-year-old man out boating died Monday, when he tried to help someone in the water, according to authorities.
The victim, Rodrigo Elizondo of Amelia, pushed off from shore and forgot paddles for the boat. He yelled for a subject onshore to bring the paddles to him. That person entered the water and became distressed before reaching the boat.
The operator of the boat, a non-swimmer, jumped in to assist.
Someone from shore swam out to assist the person who was bringing the paddles and was able to bring that person to shore. The same person swam back out to assist the operator/victim but was unable to find him after he went under the water.
The man was out boating on a pond at the Watkins Nursery Farm, in the 1600 block of Grubhill Church Road.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident.
A GoFundMe account has been set up to help support his family. On that page, it says Elizondo left behind a wife and two small children.
