Teen drowns in Anoka County lake, residents call for safety measures

COLUMBUS, Minn. (FOX 9) - A 17-year-old boy died after he drowned in a lake Saturday night in Anoka County, Minnesota. 

According to the Anoka County Sheriff's Office, at about 8 p.m., authorities responded to Coon Lake Beach in Columbus, Minn. on a report of a possible drowning.

Officials say the teen was found by bystanders and was taken to shore. Citizens and deputies administered CPR, and the teen was transported to the hospital where he later died.

Authorities determined the teen was swimming at the beach with friends when he began struggling in deeper water before going under. He has been identified as Tim Cao Nguyen of Blaine, Minn.

"Our friends were still playing volleyball and heard someone yelling for help, but by that point, it was too late," said Gary Gamayunov, who was at the scene of the incident. "It would have been nice if there were lifeguards here." 

"After you get a little further from the shore, you get a big drop and there's really no warning," said Yana Tur, another beach-goer. 

Others in the area say the beach never has a lifeguard on duty. 

No foul play is suspected in this case, according to the Anoka County Sheriff's Office. It remains under investigation, however.