SAND HOLLOW STATE PARK – Authorities released the name a 71-year-old man who drowned Wednesday at Sand Hollow.
The man has been identified as Jimmie Hilton, of Las Vegas, according to a statement Thursday from Utah State Parks.
“According to witnesses, Hilton was stepping from the dock to an awaiting boat, when he missed the boat and slipped into the water,” the statement reads.
Witnesses saw Hilton attempt to keep his head above water, but was unable to do so.
Bystanders pulled Hilton from the water and performed CPR until park personnel and emergency responders arrived.
An ambulance crew from the Hurricane Valley Fire District responded to the scene, as did Intermountain Life Flight out of Dixie Regional Medical Center in St. George.
Read more: Medical episode possible cause of apparent drowning at Sand Hollow
Despite efforts to revive Hilton, he was declared dead at the scene.
“Our thoughts are with the friends and family of those involved in this tragedy,” according to the statement. “We ask that everyone remember to take appropriate safety measures when out recreating this season. Always wear your life jacket and follow safe-boating practices when around the water.”
It was originally reported that Hilton may have experienced a possible “medical episode” of some kind. This was based on preliminary information investigators had at the time, park ranger Stephen Studebaker told St. George News.
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