Lincoln teen drowns in Lake Holmes

Lina Portman3 weeks ago

6 1 minute read

The 16-year-old Lincoln boy who drowned in Holmes Lake Thursday evening has been identified as a Lincoln North Star student.

In a letter to families, North Star Principal Megan Kroll said Ali Al-Baaj would have been a junior this fall at North Star.

Lincoln Police and Lincoln Fire & Rescue were called to Hyde Observatory on the south shore of the lake around 9:30 Thursday evening after Al-Baaj disappeared from view while swimming.

The LFR Rescue Dive Team and Nebraska State Patrol marine and air units responded to the call.

Al-Baaj was found after about an hour of searching by emergency services and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said he and another family member decided to swim in the lake after walking on a park trail.

Al-Baaj was found far from shore, according to information provided by the LPD.

Police said the death appears to be an accidental drowning, although the investigation continues.

Drownings in Holmes Lake, which is relatively shallow in most areas, are rare. Police officials said in a news briefing Friday that they didn't remember. A check of newspaper archives appears to show the last one was in 1985. Swimming at the lake generally violates city ordinances.

LPS said members of its crisis team were at North Star during summer school Friday to offer assistance to students.

Drowning is the leading cause of death among children ages 1 to 4, and according to the Children Safety Network, nearly 900 children and teens die each year from unintentional drowning. It is essential that parents take note of these water safety tips. Lives depend on it. Buzz60's Chloe Hurst has the story!