SEDGWICK — An 18-year-old Deer Isle resident drowned Saturday afternoon at Walker’s Pond after going under water while swimming with another person.
Shawn Clapper was pronounced dead at the scene after emergency responders recovered him from the water, according to authorities.
Hancock County Sheriff’s Sergeant Marcus Downes and deputies Mariza Gionfriddo and Austin McDonald responded to reports of two swimmers in distress calling for help.
One swimmer was able to reach shore safely.
Deputy Austin McDonald and a local firefighter entered the water to assist Clapper, who was floating approximately 150 feet from shore.
Clapper went under water and out of sight before rescuers could reach him.
McDonald and the firefighter conducted a sustained search in difficult conditions but were unable to immediately locate the swimmer.
The incident is not considered suspicious.
Preliminary findings suggest water conditions and limited swimming experience may have contributed to the drowning.
The Sedgwick Fire Department assisted in the response.
