AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin Police Department is investigating an incident where a person was found deceased Saturday in Lady Bird Lake, the fourth body found in the lake since February.
Officials said at approximately 1:21 p.m. officer responded to multiple 911 calls regarding a deceased body in the lake near Longhorn Dam. Both Austin police and the Austin Fire Department responded to the call.
After a water rescue, officials declared the person dead-on-the scene.
Officials said currently there is no estimate to how long the person was in the water. Officials said they also do not currently know the gender of the person.
Officials said the homicide unit is investigating the incident and have not yet found anything suspicious.
Police: ‘Nothing criminal’ seen
In a press conference, Officer Michael Bullock said he understands concerns and speculations the public may have following several deaths in the lake but said the department would inform the public with developments.
“As of right now, nothing criminal has been seen,” Bullock said.
‘Lives tragically lost’:4 dead, multiple injuries in Dadeville, Alabama, shooting. Live updates
Florida: 2 dads exchanged gunfire in road rage fight, injuring kids, but only one got charged
Recent deaths in Lady Bird Lake
Austin police have recently been on alert for drowning deaths in Lady Bird Lake near Rainey Street. In the past month, Austin police have pulled two bodies from Lady Bird Lake near the Rainey Street entertainment district, less than two miles west of Longhorn Dam
Police say the deaths appear to be the result of a tragedy, not a killer, and have moved quickly to tamp down a growing chorus of speculation, especially across social media channels, which have spread the rumors exponentially. On April 3, police said in a statement autopsies “have not revealed any trauma to the bodies” and foul play is not suspected in any of the deaths.
“One common theme of the drownings in Austin this year is the combination of alcohol and easy access to Lady Bird Lake, which has numerous access points,” the statement continued. “Many of the access points can be challenging to see at night.”
18,000 cows killed in Texas explosion. Next?: The massive, messy task of disposing of them