LEE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE INVESTIGATES DROWNING
Lee County, TX - On Friday August 8, 2025 at approximately 1:45pm, the Lee County Sheriff's Office received a report of a possible drowning located off of Private Road 3263.
The Lee County Sheriff's Office, Lee County Constable Precinct 2, Lee County Constable Precinct 3, Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper, Lee County Emergency Medical Services, and Lincoln Volunteer Fire Department responded to the scene.
Investigators determined that an adult male subject had been fishing from a small boat with a child relative in a large body of water; when the adult male fell from the boat and did not resurface. The child who was wearing a life safety vest, was able to get back to land and walk to find help that called Lee County 911.
A next-of-kin emergency contact was made and the child was released to the family. The victim was identified as "Richard James", 67, of Killeen, Texas.
Texas Parks & Wildlife Game Wardens were summoned to the scene to assist, as well as rescue divers from Elgin, TX. The search began that afternoon and continued until dusk, at which time it was suspended for the safety of the recovery team.
The search continued early Saturday morning, with further assistance from Game Wardens, as well as the Texas Department of Public Safety Tactical Marine Unit. The DPS dive team searched all day Saturday until dusk.
Early Sunday morning, Lee County Sheriff's Investigators located the body of the deceased adult male utilizing the LCSO Star-1 (Drone). The DPS dive team returned to the scene early Sunday morning, at which time Mr. James' body was recovered from the water.
Lee County Justice of the Peace Precinct 2, Judge Michael York held an inquest on scene. An autopsy was ordered to be performed by the Travis County Medical Examiner to aid in determining the cause and manner of death. Investigators determined that Mr. James was a retired Trooper with the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Foul play is not suspected in the investigation, and we continue to hold Mr. James' family in our thoughts and prayers as they process this tragedy.
We offer our appreciation to the Game Wardens, Lincoln Volunteer Firemen, and the Texas DPS dive team for their support and assistance; as well as the volunteers who delivered water and food to the responders.
Information Source:
Garrett Durrenberger
Lee County Sheriff
