A trip to Lake Anna in Virginia over Memorial Day weekend ended in tragedy when a father and his son drowned during a rescue attempt. The incident unfolded on Saturday, May 25, near Carrs Bridge Road, approximately 60 miles northwest of Richmond, Virginia.
Matthew Atchley, 42, a quality control engineer from Erie, Pennsylvania, was at a graduation party with his family when his 14-year-old son, Tyler Atchley, started having difficulties in the water. Eyewitnesses reported seeing Tyler in trouble and his father Matthew jumping in to assist him. Both father and son subsequently vanished from view.
The Louisa County Sheriff’s Office stated, “It was reported that witnesses observed the father struggling, just before losing sight of him as well.” Several onlookers also tried to rescue the pair but their efforts were in vain.
Emergency response teams from various organizations, including the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office Marine Units, Mineral Volunteer Fire Department, Lake Anna Volunteer Rescue, the Department of Wildlife Resources, and the Spotsylvania County Fire & EMS Dive Team, rushed to the scene. Despite their tireless efforts, the bodies of Matthew and Tyler were found and declared dead at the site.
The authorities confirmed that the victims were not locals but visitors for the holiday weekend. The bodies were transferred to the Office of the Medical Examiner in Richmond, Virginia for further analysis.
The Atchley family is now dealing with the devastating loss. Heidi Johnson, a relative, described Matthew as someone who “loved his family dearly” and highlighted that he and Tyler were fervent supporters of the Pittsburgh Steelers. “It’s heartbreaking to lose them both,” Johnson stated.
Kelly Hess, superintendent of the Harbor Creek School District, where Tyler was a student, expressed her condolences saying, “It is with a heavy heart that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of one of our Junior High students and his father while on vacation out of town. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the family and friends during this unimaginably difficult time.” The district is providing counseling for students and staff to help them navigate this tragic event.
Sheriff Major Donnie Lowe stressed the need for caution around water, stating, “Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the Atchleys. This incident is a somber reminder of the unpredictable nature of water and the importance of safety around it.”
While the investigation into the incident continues, authorities do not suspect foul play. The Louisa County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information about the incident to step forward.