A 24-year-old Kent man drowned Saturday, May 1 in Lake Tapps.
Gabriel Carl Swart died from drowning and the manner of death is an accident, according to a May 5 report by the Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office.
At about 3:47 p.m., the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department Marine Services Unit and the Metro Dive Team responded to a 911 call about a possible drowning at North Lake Tapps County Park, 2022 198th Ave. E., Bonney Lake.
A diver was in the water by 4:22 p.m. and located Swart within minutes, according to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department. Medics treated Swart while they rushed him to the hospital. He did not survive.
The Sheriff’s Department reminded residents who want to go swimming that while the outside temperatures may be heating up, the lakes and rivers are not.
Relatives of Swart started a gofundme.com account to help pay for hospital costs and funeral expenses.
”It is with heavy hearts that we let you know that our dear Gabriel Carl Swart has joined our dear creator last May 1,” wrote fundraiser organizer Dianara Swart, of Kent, on gofundme.com. “We can’t find the right words to describe how kind, loving and giving Gabe is.
“He is such a beautiful man with such a beautiful heart. He has gone too soon and in such a tragic event. Gabe was only 24 years old and still have lots of adventures ahead of him. Gabe is third of the five Swart boys of mom, Cecile Swart. Our lives will never be the same again. With this sudden event, we are humbly asking your help for our family to cover his hospital and funeral expenses. Thank you.”
While in school, Swart attended Kent Phoenix Academy, according to Facebook.
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Pierce County Sheriff’s Department rescue vehicles show up May 1 at Lake Tapps after a reported drowning. COURTESY PHOTO, Pierce County Sheriff’s Department
