Drowning Ruled Cause of Death for Teen

Update: You can help the family of a teenage drowning victim give their loved one a proper goodbye. Dustin Chism died late Wednesday night, just two days shy of his 16th birthday. He was swimming with friends in a small, private lake in western Vanderburgh County when his friends lost track of him. A fund has been set at up at Old National Bank to help Chisms family cover funeral expenses. You can make donations at any Old National Branch under the name of Dustin Chism. His visitation is planned for Sunday at Alexander West Funeral Home from 2 to 8 p.m. The funeral will be Monday at 10 a.m at Howell General Baptist Church. Dustin will be buried at Alexander. Previous report 5/29: Dustin Chism would have turned 16 May 30th. Two days before his birthday, the Reitz High School student drown in a small lake across the street from Burdette Park, in western Vanderburgh County. Chism had been swimming with friends, jumping into the water off of a small bridge. A friend noticed he didnt come up from beneath the water, and called for help. After about an hour, dive teams found Chism in the 15-20 foot deep waters of the lake, and tried unsuccessfully to revive him. He was pronounced dead at Deaconess Hospital at 9:40 pm. What is puzzling to Chisms family and friends is how he could have drown. The young man was in top physical shape, lifting weights and running to stay fit for the upcoming football season. "Its hard to believe, such a strong, athletic individual, no bigger than that lake was, it could take him," said Chisms mother Martie Gates. The family knows there may never be answers to their questions. They say theyll remember Dustin for his big heart, his love of family, his passion for football, and his maturity. "He was the man of our family," said Gates. "No one will ever replace him." Chism will be buried in his Reitz High School Football Jersey. 11:30 a.m. Update 5/29/08: We now know the name of the 16-year old boy who sheriffs deputies say drowned in a lake just south of Burdette Park. Dustin Lee Chism was a student at Reitz High School. He would have been a sophomore this fall. The Vanderburgh County Coroner released the name this morning, although the autopsy results still are not in. According to a witness, Dustin and some friends were jumping off of a small bridge last night moments before the 16 year old went under. His friend tried to find him, then called for help. Dive teams from Perry, Marrs Townships searched the lake for about an hour before finding the Chisms body. He was unresponsive when they pulled him from the water. Previously Reported: A 16 year old boy is dead after sheriffs deputies say he drowned in a lake just west of Burdette Park. According to a witness, the boys had been jumping off of a small bridge moments before the 16 year old went under. His friend tried to find him, then called for help. Dive teams from Perry Township and Marrs Township searched the lake for about an hour before finding the boys body. He was unresponsive when they pulled him from the water. An autopsy will be conducted by the Vanderburgh County Coroners office. The incident is still under investigation.