Tubing takes tragic turn at Lake Buchanan as man dies

By Richard Zowie

The Highlander

A weekend on the water turned into a tragedy as a man died in the early morning of July 23 after being pulled from the water at Buchanan Dam the day before.

According to Steve Lightfoot of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Juan Antonio Bolaños, a 28-year-old Mexican national, was on a float tube at the dam Saturday evening when he fell off at some point and was unable to swim.

Friends on shore say it was about 15 minutes before they realized he wasn’t there. They then went out and brought him to shore.

Lightfoot said medical personnel responding were able to detect a pulse from Bolaños, who was then transported by helicopter to a hospital.

The Mexican national was pronounced dead early Sunday morning.

Lightfoot said at this time, no further details of Bolaños’ death are known. He added that there is currently no indication of foul play.

Llano EMS, Buchanan Dam Volunteer Fire Department and TPWD were among the agencies responding.

GoFundMe

A GoFundMe account has been set up to raise funds to transport Bolaños back home to his family in Mexico for burial. The page describes him as a husband and father of four children.

To donate, go to gofundme.com/934nzh-help-with-funeral-expenses

As of Monday, $50 had been raised. The goal is $3,000.