A Deer Isle man drowned in a pond in Sedgwick over the weekend, according to the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department.
Shawn Clapper, 18, was swimming with another person in Walker Pond on Saturday, July 5, when they had difficulty getting back to shore, the sheriff’s department said Monday.
After bystanders called for help, the other swimmer made it safely back to shore. Deputy Austin McDonald and a member of the local fire department arrived at the pond and tried to swim out to assist Clapper, who was approximately 150 feet from shore, but he sank below the surface and did not come back up.
“The incident is not considered suspicious, and preliminary findings suggest that water conditions and limited swimming experience may have contributed to the tragic outcome,” the sheriff’s department said.
Austin and the firefighter tried to locate Clapper underwater but were unable to do so, the department said. Clapper eventually was recovered and was declared deceased at the scene.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Shawn Clapper during this difficult time,” the department said.
