A father and son tragically drowned at a Lake Anna graduation party while on vacation in Virginia this holiday weekend, according to a report.
The victims have been identified as 42-year-old Matthew Atchley and his 14-year-old son Tyler Atchley of Harborcreek.
The Louisa County Sheriff's Office in Virginia responded to a call shortly after 1 p.m. Saturday for a reported child drowning. As deputies raced to the scene, the teen's father jumped into the water in an attempt to rescue his son, which witnesses said could be seen struggling in the water before he too went under, according to YourErie.
Several bystanders jumped into the water to help find the father and son, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
An EMS dive team later recovered the bodies.
Kelly Hess, superintendent of Harbor Creek School District, released a statement expressing their condolences to the family and noting that the district has arranged to have additional counselors available to talk with students.
Heidi Johnson, Matthew Atchley's cousin, revealed she was in complete disbelief when she heard the tragic news from family members.
"He would do anything for anybody; he had more love for you than anybody in this entire world. He and his son both would give the biggest hugs and support you no matter what you were like at all," Johnson said.
Matthew and Tyler Atchley are survived by a wife, mom, and three daughters and sisters.
