Tragedy struck a Florida lake on Monday morning as a 17-year-old lost his life in a suspected drowning incident following a Jet Ski mishap. The Polk County Sheriff's Office reported that the teen and a 15-year-old companion were riding a single Jet Ski on Lake Clinch in Frostproof, Florida, on Sunday night when a sharp turn ejected both riders into the water.

The 15-year-old, thankfully wearing a life vest, managed to return to the Jet Ski and searched for his friend. Unable to locate him, the younger teen alerted others nearby, leading to a 911 call. Sadly, the 17-year-old, who wasn't wearing a life jacket, was found deceased in approximately 20 feet of water the following morning with the aid of an underwater drone deployed by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

The image above depicts the Polk County Sheriff's Office underwater drone used in the recovery operation. (Polk County Sheriff's Office via Facebook)

File photo: Police caution tape at a crime scene. (iStock)

While drowning is suspected, the official cause of death will be determined by the Medical Examiner. Sheriff Grady Judd expressed condolences to the grieving family and emphasized the critical importance of life jackets, stating, "This is a tragic accident and a stark reminder that life jackets save lives. Please, when out on the water, wear a life jacket. It could save your life."