Grandfather tried to retrieve swimming tube

A 59-year-old Milwaukee man drowned Tuesday, July 19, in the Marion Mill Pond.

Shortly after 3 p.m., the Waupaca County Communications Center received a 911 call reporting a drowning in the swimming area at Lions Point Park.

Marion police and firefighters, Clintonville ambulance and firefighters, Waupaca County deputies and the Shawano County dive team responded to the scene and began searching for the victim.

Shortly before 5 p.m. the victim was recovered from the pond and pronounced dead at the scene.

“The victim was attempting to retrieve a swimming tube for his grandchildren when he wadded into water over his head. It was reported that the victim could not swim,” according to a release from Marion Police Chief Kevin Schultz. “The victim’s wife attempted to rescue the male party but was unsuccessful.”

The man’s name is being withheld at this time.