19-Year-Old Drowns in Pine Lake Near West Bloomfield Beach

Overview

• A 19-year-old West Bloomfield resident, identified as Jauwan Walter Hayes Jr., went under while swimming and did not resurface during a visit to Pine Lake on Sunday evening.
• Bystanders pulled Hayes from the water and West Bloomfield Fire Department paramedics performed lifesaving measures before he was taken to a local hospital and later pronounced dead.
• The Oakland County Medical Examiner ruled the cause of death an accidental drowning, and the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office said alcohol does not appear to be a factor.
• Investigators reported Hayes was swimming in a designated area between two floating platforms and was not wearing a personal flotation device at the time of the incident.
• Local authorities continue their investigation and the case underscores common lake-safety concerns, including the importance of flotation devices and close supervision when swimming.