updated Monday, June 12, 11:00 a.m.

UPDATE: Detectives with the St. George Police Department have completed their investigation into the drowning incident that occurred on Saturday in the Virgin River. Investigators announced this morning the case has been classified as an accidental drowning.  The victim was identified as 15 year old St. George resident Uri Gois.

ST. GEORGE – On Saturday, June 11, 2011, at approximately 12:45 P.M. the St. George Police Department responded to the Virgin River near the 2700 East block of Waterfront Dr. on a drowning call where it had been reported a 15 year old male had disappeared into the water in the proximity of a waterfall and had not resurfaced.

Dispatchers received a 911 call from a young male stating he and his friend were swimming in the Virgin River above the waterfall. He indicated they swam too close to the edge and were both swept over the falls, which is about an eight to ten foot drop into the river. He made it to the shore after attempting to find his friend. Dispatchers learned we were looking for a 15 year old 5’ 11” 200 lbs Hispanic male wearing black swim trunks.

Officers began searching for the boy as well as directing citizens in the area to be on the lookout for him. Another officer who was responding to the area was flagged down by a citizen who had reported seeing the boy. He was located in the Virgin River approximately ¼ to ½ a mile downstream from the waterfall.

Officers began CPR and continued until an ambulance arrived on scene. Emergency medical personnel sustained CPR while en route to DRMC where medical professionals began treating the boy. Unfortunately, the boy did not recover and was pronounced deceased at DRMC at approximately 2:15 P.M.

Detectives with the St. George Police Department Investigations Division responded to the scene to investigate the incident. While this case is still currently under investigation, there are no apparent suspicious circumstances at this time and it is being investigated as an accidental drowning. The name of the victim is being withheld at this time pending the continuing investigation and notification of the family.