The Lead Off
- Two friends drowned in Lake Michigan after one man entered the water to rescue the other who was struggling near a pier in Port Sheldon Township.
- Authorities say both men went underwater during the attempted rescue and did not survive.
- The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office says the investigation remains ongoing but is not considered suspicious.
PORT SHELDON TOWNSHIP, MICH. (WOWO) Two men are dead after a rescue attempt at Lake Michigan’s shoreline in Ottawa County led to a double drowning Saturday, according to the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators say the incident occurred near a pier in Port Sheldon Township, where a group of friends had been staying in the area according to WNDU.
Incident at Lake Michigan pier
Authorities say several individuals, including 24-year-old Philip Lochirco, jumped from a pier into Lake Michigan on Saturday.
According to investigators, Lochirco began struggling in the water and went under.
Officials say 26-year-old Jalen Shaffer then entered the water in an attempt to help his friend.
During the rescue attempt, both men went underwater and did not resurface.
Emergency response and recovery
Emergency personnel responded to the scene, but both men were later recovered and pronounced dead.
The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office says no foul play is suspected, and the incident is being investigated as a drowning.
Victims remembered by family and community
Friends, coaches, and colleagues are remembering Shaffer and Lochirco as former football players at Wheaton College, a private NCAA Division III institution in Wheaton, Illinois.
Shaffer had recently been working with Bridge Street Ministries, a youth-focused nonprofit organization in Grand Rapids.
Ryan Waalkes, executive director of the organization, said Shaffer was known for his consistency and calm demeanor.
“In the three years that I knew him, I never once heard him complain,” Waalkes said. “He showed up for the team and for the kids, and whenever he showed up, he brought calm and a steadiness.”
A former high school coach also described Shaffer as a leader both on and off the field.
Investigation ongoing
Authorities say the circumstances surrounding the drowning remain under review, though investigators do not believe the incident involved criminal activity.
The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office continues to examine conditions at the pier and water conditions at the time of the incident.
The Takeaway
Rescue attempt ends in tragedy
Two friends drowned in Lake Michigan after one man entered the water in an attempt to rescue the other, who was struggling near a pier.
Authorities say no foul play suspected
Investigators with the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office say the incident is being treated as an accidental drowning, with no evidence of criminal involvement.
Community remembers victims
Both men are being remembered by friends, coaches, and colleagues as former student-athletes and community members, with tributes highlighting their leadership and service-oriented lives.
