Imlay City man drowns

ST. CLAIR CO. — An afternoon of fun swimming in a pond Saturday resulted in tragedy for a local man. According to the Michigan State Police, a 19-year-old Imlay City man died Saturday after failing to resurface while swimming across a pond in the Hewitt’s Pit area of the Port Huron State Game Area.

Although not identified by MSP, the teen is known to be Ashton Conklin, a 2023 Imlay City graduate. He had been involved in athletics, as a member of the Imlay City boy’s bowling team and other activities.

In a social media post, MSP reported Troopers responded to a report of a drowning about 6 p.m. According to a MSP report, “three friends were swimming across the pond when a 19-year-old Imlay City man began struggling and went under the water.”

Lapeer Post Troopers responded to the scene and said the St. Clair County Dive team also “responded very quickly” and found the man in the water, but were unable to save him, according to MSP.

Troopers say Conklin’s friends attempted to help him as well, and immediately called 911, but their efforts were unsuccessful.”

Other agencies responding to the scene included the St. Clair County Dive Team who located the man’s body in the water.

Troopers were assisted by the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office, Department of Natural Resources, firefighters from Grant Township and Kenockee Township Fire Departments along with Tri-Hospital EMS.