Lamar University student drowns while attending campus ministry retreat

A 23-year-old Lamar University graduate student drowned Saturday, August 10, while attending a Lamar Baptist Student Ministry (BSM) retreat at the Toledo Bend Reservoir.

According to reports, the student was swimming in a cove with a group when he went underwater and did not resurface.

The Newton County Sheriff’s Office said the student drowned at 4:36 pm on Saturday, and his body was recovered at 9:25 am on Sunday. 

“We are devastated by this student’s passing,” said Darin Ford, director of the Lamar BSM. “What was supposed to be a time of fellowship and growth has turned into a tragedy. We are just in shock right now.”

The Lamar BSM had been hosting a two-day leadership retreat at a lake house on the reservoir in advance of the upcoming fall semester. Classes are scheduled to begin on campus on Thursday, August 22. The home where the students gathered was about a two-hour drive from the university.

Ford said the student had been an active member of the Lamar BSM for about a year.

Mark Jones, director of the Center for Collegiate Ministry, said he was thankful Ford was able to personally connect with family members of the student. 

“Darin was able to speak directly with the student’s family and expressed our deepest condolences from the Texas Baptists family,” Jones said. “Right now, we just want to love on these family members, BSM students and leaders and anyone touched by this horrific accident.”

Jones was working with Lamar BSM leaders to mobilize counselors to be available to meet with BSM students and others impacted by the tragedy.

A memorial service honoring the student will take place in the coming days.

“Our hearts are broken, but we sense God's presence and are so grateful for this student’s faith walk through the Lamar BSM,” Jones said. “Though we may not understand why this tragedy occurred, we know that God is good, he is in control, and we have an opportunity to point others to him, even in their grief.”

If you or someone you know would like to be connected with a counselor, please contact Bill Noe at bill.noe[at]texasbaptists.org.