Body Recovered After Desperate Search at Lake MacBride

Thanks to KCRG TV we learned the beach at Lake Macbride has been reopened, and emergency crews have cleared the scene following the recovery of a body from the lake at approximately 2:55 pm. The identity of the victim is being withheld until the family has been notified.

A witness recounts what he saw that day

Paul Kline recounted that several law enforcement agencies were present in the parking lot of Lake Macbride Beach when he arrived for his regular walk. He described how a sheriff’s vehicle and a fire truck blocked him in shortly after he arrived.

Kline observed the search efforts for a swimmer who had gone under the water. Detective Sergeant Alissa Schuerer of the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office reported that beachgoers had called for assistance around 1:14 pm.

“Someone on scene at Lake Macbride Beach reported that an individual was struggling to swim,” Detective Sergeant Schuerer explained.

This is not the first time this has happened here

This incident marks the second drowning at Lake Macbride this summer, and searching the lake’s waters presents challenges. Detective Sergeant Schuerer noted, “Because it’s a lake, the water is not clear, and the depths vary. You can go from three feet to eight feet very quickly, which makes the search difficult.”

Responders took just over an hour and a half to locate the body. Kline reflected on the tragedy, emphasizing the impact on the victim’s family and friends.

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“Everyone started their day thinking it was just another day, and this person likely intended to cool off at the lake, never expecting they wouldn’t return to their loved ones,” Kline said. “It’s incredibly sad. My thoughts and prayers are with them.”

Earlier on Wednesday, multiple emergency crews were seen at Lake Macbride, with teams being dispatched to the swim area before 1:30 pm. The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that they were searching for an adult at Lake Macbride Beach.